The board debated at length the terms of a one-year contract extension for energy from the Gravity Aspen Wind Hydro Facility, scrutinizing the contract’s viability and pricing compared to the open market. Concerns were raised about the long-term sustainability of the contract and the purchase of associated certificates. The board considered the possibility of obtaining a right of first refusal in future contracts.

The board’s discussion then shifted to the Strategic Power Supply and Load Management Committee’s recommendation to pause work on the carbon capture fuel cell project. The committee’s decision was influenced by several uncertainties including land and permit approvals, potential changes in tax credit policies due to an Administration change, and the financial impact of taking on significant debt. The board weighed these factors carefully, opting for a cautious stance while remaining open to revisiting the project in light of future technological advancements and more stable conditions.

Another major topic was the potential impact of legal expenses on customer rates, with the board requesting a detailed breakdown of legal costs over an extended period. This stemmed from a preliminary budget report that revealed a significant differential between budgeted and actual operating and capital expenditures. In particular, the cost of outside services, including legal and professional services, was examined, highlighting the need for efficient material management to mitigate these costs.

A new accounts payable system named parasoft was introduced, promising to streamline the accounts payable process and improve vendor payment transparency. The board considered the system’s integration with purchasing and the approval process for warrants, and discussed the necessary process mapping, change management, and training for successful implementation.

The meeting also included discussions on a $1 million grant application to fund level two and level three electric vehicle chargers, with an 80/20 funding match. The board contemplated the possibility of overlapping funding streams, considering a separate state grant application for grid resiliency. Updates on hydro contract extensions and the geographic distribution of hydro contracts were presented, as well as the potential for additional charging programs and infrastructure reliability improvements.

The board explored the potential for enhancing air source heat pump installations, considering an increase in rebate amounts and eligibility criteria. They discussed aligning their program with other regional initiatives and the challenges of converting existing heating systems. To improve load management initiatives and reduce peak shaving costs, the board considered diversifying communication methods, including text messaging and town reverse 911 systems, especially to engage commercial and industrial customers more effectively.

Additionally, the board acknowledged receiving a federal grant of $35,000 for cybersecurity work, an essential step in safeguarding the department’s digital infrastructure. This was coupled with a favorable report from the Federal Highway Administration.

In terms of infrastructure, the board discussed bids for duck bank excavation services and other necessary physical plant updates, including repairs to the Operations Center and Substation 6. The selection of a vendor for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project was also on the agenda, alongside the progress of tree contractors and load management initiatives. There was mention of a potential collaboration with Reading Cooperative Bank for weatherization and air source heat pump programs.

The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, though no details of these deliberations were disclosed.