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Bedford Energy Commission: Chubbuck Road solar permits under review; EV charging grant and transfer‑station master plan on hold
Summary
Commission members reported that permits for the Chubbuck Road solar PV project remain under review, noting New Hampshire Fish and Game raised concerns about mowing and turtle habitat that have been resolved; the commission also said a state EV‑charging grant is on hold and the transfer‑station master plan has seen no progress.
At its March 27 meeting the Bedford Energy Commission received updates on local energy projects, including permitting for a proposed solar‑photovoltaic (PV) installation on Chubbuck Road, state grant applications for electric‑vehicle charging, and a stalled transfer‑station master plan.
Jean Walker, assistant town manager, said the solar PV permits for Chubbuck Road “are still under review.” Walker said New Hampshire Fish and Game raised questions about mowing of the landfill cap because wet areas nearby could host turtles and other wildlife; those concerns “have all been resolved,” she said.
Commission members discussed possible locations for future level‑2 EV chargers if state grant funding becomes available, and noted demand‑charge issues that can affect sites used for shorter stays. “We'd have to wait for another one of the towns that have already agreed to the project to drop out for them to have additional funding available,” a commissioner said, summarizing the grant program’s status.
On the transfer‑station master plan, the commission said there has been no recent progress. Vice Chair Chris Bandazian said the commission should pursue practical, cost‑effective improvements rather than waiting for a perfect solution. Bandazian described available state and federal incentives for heat‑pump and efficiency programs and suggested inviting Eversource or an auditor to discuss programs available to residents.
Commissioners also discussed statewide planning efforts. Bandazian and member James Dumont referenced the state Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and a longer‑term climate action process led by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, including public engagement and upcoming drafting sessions. The commission encouraged members and residents to follow those processes and noted a contact email for the state effort (cprg@des.nh.gov).
The commission also addressed internal staffing and membership: several commission terms are expiring and the Town Council will review applications; commissioners said they would welcome applicants with energy‑procurement or forecasting experience to help evaluate CPCNH documents and potential procurement risks.
The commission scheduled its next regular meeting for April 24 and noted local events including New Hampshire Energy Week and a Local Energy Solutions conference in September.
