Newton Energy Commission Appoints Rehan and Ronnie Famili to Enhance Decarbonization Efforts

During a recent meeting of the Public Facilities Committee in Newton City, Massachusetts, discussions centered on the appointment of Rehan Famili to the Energy Commission, highlighting the city's commitment to addressing energy challenges and decarbonization efforts. Famili, an experienced engineer with over 23 years in the energy sector, including a significant tenure as a vice president at National Grid, expressed his desire to contribute to the community through his expertise in energy strategy and decarbonization.

Famili emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city and energy companies, advocating for open communication to foster common solutions that benefit both the community and ratepayers. His insights were well-received by committee members, with Councilor Kale acknowledging the value of his background and seeking his advice on effective engagement with energy providers.

The committee's discussions also touched on the need for a comprehensive citywide plan to enhance decarbonization efforts. Councilor Leary highlighted the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, stressing the necessity for transparency from energy companies like National Grid and Eversource. He called for a strategic approach to identify areas for decarbonization, including potential pilot projects for geothermal and electrification initiatives.

The meeting underscored the city's proactive stance on energy issues, with members recognizing the complexities involved in balancing affordability, reliability, and sustainability. As Newton moves forward with its energy goals, the collaboration between the Energy Commission and local government will be crucial in navigating the transition to a cleaner energy future. The committee anticipates further discussions and planning to ensure that all community members, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, are not disproportionately affected by the costs associated with this transition.