The Maple Medals solar project was a focal point in the board’s discussion, with RMLD planning to own nine out of the ten megawatts and considering offering the remaining capacity for purchase to customers. This initiative underscores the board’s objective to expand local renewable energy resources. Deliberation took place around the idea of incentivizing the adoption of solar energy and heat pumps to encourage broader participation in sustainable practices. The board also raised the subject of the ownership of solar panels on customers’ properties and the associated liability concerns.

The potential for solar canopies on school buildings was another topic of interest, addressing both the economic and environmental impact. Board members inquired into the specifics of these installations, particularly regarding how financial arrangements with the towns and schools would be structured, advocating for clarity and consistency in any agreements.

Further, the board discussed the broader scope of solar energy projects, highlighting the economic feasibility, structural challenges in older buildings, and the necessity for optimizing commercial and industrial customer engagement. The conversation touched upon the suitability of various roofs for solar panel installation, considering factors such as roof conditions and potential upgrades.

In addition to solar projects, the board delved into the future of the department’s energy resources, emphasizing the integration of new technologies such as hydrogen, heat pumps, and low temperature geothermal energy to align with RMLD’s mission of providing reliable, low-cost, non-carbon energy. The possibility of RMLD owning the ground loop system to provide heat and cooling for multiple buildings was considered, along with the procurement process for carbon capture technology.

The optimization of the distribution network was highlighted by the general manager, who pointed out the need to incentivize energy conservation during peak hours. This includes the acceleration of new technology adoption, such as heat pumps and solar energy, and modifying the incentive structure to promote these practices. The general manager also referenced a call with the S&P rating agency, which provided context for the board’s discussions.

The board reviewed the department’s cost structure, focusing on addressing the upward pressure on rates. A chart displaying hourly load data for residential customers underscored the challenge of late afternoon peak loads and their impact on capacity and transmission costs. Strategies to modify customer behavior were debated, including the promotion of energy efficiency programs and the potential implementation of time-of-use metering.

Preparations for handling a heatwave were also discussed, with efforts such as running a generator and a battery system being mentioned. Communication strategies were evaluated, acknowledging issues with the mass email system and the need to update the “Shred the Peak” program. The board expressed interest in learning from other utilities to improve customer energy use control.

Finally, a policy review was conducted, focusing on streamlining the smoking policy to align with state regulations and confirming that RMLD maintains a smoke-free environment. The review pertained solely to board policies and did not necessitate input from the union.