HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-07Nantucket Energy Study Committee
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DRAFT Mirnltes for meeting on July 7, 2011, 5PM, 2 Fairgrounds Road
Next scheduled meeting: August 4, 2011, 5PM, 2 Fairgrounds Road
In attendance were committee members Anne Kuszpa, Whitey Willauer, Peter Morrison, and Zachary
Dusseau. Absent were Barbara Gookin, John Stover, Chris Magee, and H. Flint Ranney. Members of the
public in attendance were Wade Greene, Justine Paradis, Tobias Glidden, Erik Lokensgard, and Select-
man Rick Atherton. T'he meeting was called to order @ 5:10 PM by Chair Anne Kuszpa; minutes of June 2
and agenda were approved.
The meeting began with a summary by Whitey Willauer of the balloon presentation fora 900 kW wind
turbine at the Madaket Landfill on 7/7/2011. The balloon was flown by Atlantic Engineering on top of
the compost heap at a height of 325 feet, representing the upper tip of the blade of the turbine, with a
streamer @ 233 ft, representing the turbine's rotor. The presentation drew a good turnout with numer-
ous Madaket residents in attendance, as well as HDC principals Mark Voigt, David Barham, and Kevin
Kuester. Many good questions were asked concerning the economics of the project, why there was only
one turbine being proposed, the reasoning for picking this site, various noise and height concerns, and
net metering issues with National Grid.
Following this summary the committee discussed developing a presentation that compared the absolute
heights of the towers within the area against that of the proposed turbine. Financial analysis calculations
concerning the utility rate assumptions used and the maintenance/replacement of turbine parts were
topics of concern that will need continuous monitoring.
5:30 Net Metering input/action and possible approaches/solutions were discussed in an open forum
with the committee and members of the public. Senator Wolf and Representative Madden wrote a joint
letter to the MA DPU calling for action to bring together National Grid and Nantucket to discuss and
resolve net metering issues that limit the island's capacity for renewable energy. The discussion contin-
ued with brainstorming ideas to increase awareness, and possible plans of action towards a solution (i.e.
newsletter outreach).
5:53 Solar update: Wannacomet Water Co. project has been suspended due to the nonviable economics,
due to the limit on Net-Metering. The Waste Water Treatment Plant project/RFP has gone cold and is in
need of attention. Key contacts for this project include the town DPW manager and town project man-
ager Diane O'Neil. Gathered data and financial reports for the viability of this project are needed.
6:05 Nantucket Energy Plan Draft was completed and review is needed by the Energy Study Committee
for submission to the board for adoption.
6:17 SmartGRID discussion (Veridian MicroGrid) on cost and scale of application. Outreach, awareness,
viability, and effectiveness are all relative issues.
Volunteers needed for Energy Committee networking through ICLEI resources portal ~ .~
and other outlets. ",
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Meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM. "~
Respectfully submitted, Zachary Dusseau, Acting Secretary n~„~
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