The Town Council voted Aug. 12 to approve a performance contract with Johnson Controls Inc. to fast‑track solar and related renewable energy work and to pursue state and federal incentives. The vote covered contract approval and authorization for the town manager to accept program incentives including Inflation Reduction Act benefits, NRES grants and school construction grants.
Town Manager Sean Kimball and the Johnson Controls team described a two‑track approach: an immediate “fast‑track” renewable scope (solar arrays and carport installations at several schools) and a broader certified energy audit (CEA) for a second phase of work. Johnson Controls representative Massiana told the council the fast‑track elements are designed to “leverage the 4,700,000.0 of ITC availability and the 6,600,000.0 of local program benefits” and estimated net project costs after incentives at roughly $12 million.
The approved fast‑track scope proposed rooftop and carport solar arrays on Cheshire High School (408 kW), Norton Elementary (681 kW), Barnum, Dodd Middle School, Highland and Doolittle elementary schools, plus two 650 kW fuel cells at the high school in the package under review. The plan anticipates applying for NRES (non‑residential renewable) funds and the Department of Administrative Services school construction grant where required.
Councilor Fiona Pearson read a set of resolutions authorizing the board of education to apply for grants for each school and to prepare schematic drawings and outline specifications. Pearson moved the resolutions and Councilor Tricia Kramer seconded; the council approved the package unanimously.
Johnson Controls said the town’s new school designs already include electrical infrastructure sized to accept solar arrays, which reduces incremental cost and construction complexity. The company presented a timeline that would place NRES applications in September and potential notice‑to‑proceed steps in October–December, with financing requests to lenders expected to be quick (indicative term sheets in about a week and final financing possible in about two weeks after selection).
Town staff emphasized that a certified energy audit covering all town and school buildings remains in progress; the audit’s conclusions could expand or change the final scope and cost. The contract includes flexibility to amend scope once the CEA is complete. Officials also said that a previously discussed fuel‑cell location at the wastewater treatment plant was removed from the current scope after utility cost estimates for a gas line extension rose to several million dollars; the town will revisit that line item if the utility feasibility work provides a different number.
Why it matters: the town can capture substantial federal (IRA) and state incentives for renewables and efficiency work only within specific program windows. Officials said accelerating the renewable work now will lower the net capital cost of subsequent efficiency projects and improve the town’s long‑term energy budget.
What’s next: the council authorized signing the performance contract (subject to town‑attorney approval of form). Staff will submit NRES and school grant applications, complete the CEA, and return with financing details for council approval as required.