District begins interviews for second energy performance contract; working group to run investment‑grade study

The district and town have launched interviews with three vendors as the first step toward a second energy performance contract that could fund infrastructure improvements without a referendum, officials said.

A working group — including a board member, a town council liaison, an Energy Commission representative and town and school staff — has begun vendor interviews and will select a firm to perform an investment‑grade audit. That audit, expected to take about three months, will inventory HVAC systems, controls, motors, pumps, water usage and energy use at every school and town building before producing a final recommendation.

Speakers reminded the board that the district did a similar contract roughly 11–15 years ago and completed low‑hanging measures then (LED lighting, conversion from electric heat to natural gas, refrigeration, low‑flush toilets). The new contract could include upgrades to building management systems, additional motor and boiler replacements, and potential solar opportunities (roof‑mounted, carports or ground‑based arrays). Estimates discussed at the meeting suggested project sizes could range widely; staff said there was preliminary potential for projects from about $4 million up to $16 million depending on scope.

If the investment‑grade audit produces measures the town wants to implement, the town council would need to approve the contract; no referendum would be required because the performance contract is structured as a turnkey energy service agreement. Board members advised caution about long contract terms (e.g., 15–20 years) if the district later adjusts school footprints or undertakes major modernization projects.

Staff said the process will be collaborative and that the working group will continue to brief the board and town council as the analysis proceeds.