The hearing was chaired by Councilor Gabriela Coletta, who emphasized the significance of the grant for the city’s green initiatives. Carlton Jones, Executive Director of the Public Facilities Department, provided insight into how the funds would be utilized. Jones explained that the grant would support various projects within the city’s five-year capital plan, focusing on energy-efficient equipment such as air handling units, heat pumps, and potentially geothermal systems.

Councilors Erin J. Murphy and Edward M. Flynn raised questions about the specifics of the grant, including its origin, restrictions, and allocation process. Jones acknowledged that while he did not have all the details at hand, he promised to provide comprehensive information on whether the grant is recurring and which projects would benefit from it.

Murphy expressed gratitude towards Eversource for the substantial grant and inquired about any restrictions beyond the $10 million cap. Jones confirmed that there were no additional restrictions apart from those typically associated with capital funds. Murphy also questioned whether any of the funds would be distributed directly to residents, to which Jones clarified that the grant is strictly for public facilities.

Flynn, on the other hand, was interested in whether the funds could assist residents in public housing with infrastructure improvements. Jones regrettably informed that the grant would not extend to public housing projects but would be confined to public buildings and assets.

A notable part of the discussion centered around geothermal energy, a topic that both Jones and the councilors showed keen interest in. Jones highlighted ongoing and future projects involving geothermal systems, such as the JFK School in Jamaica Plain, and emphasized the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of such initiatives. The council seemed optimistic about the potential of geothermal energy to contribute to the city’s decarbonization and electrification goals.