Committee authorizes 15-year natural gas service agreement for Norwalk High School; public raises renewable-energy concerns

The Land Use and Building Management Committee authorized the mayor to execute a general gas service agreement with Eversource Energy for the Norwalk High School project with a 15-year term and no city contribution amount specified in committee materials.

Alan, representing the Building Management Department, explained the decision responds to equipment and efficiency choices for a large new school building: roughly 85% of the building’s systems are designed to be electric, while about 15% — primarily large single-zone rooftop units that serve the auditorium and gymnasium — will use natural gas because engineering analysis concluded gas equipment is more practical and efficient for those large spaces.

A public commenter, Diane Laricella of 21 Little Fox Lane, addressed the committee during public participation and urged rejection or tabling of the Eversource agreement. Laricella said the city should pursue solar and other renewables for Norwalk High School and called a 15-year gas commitment "the antithesis" of the city’s stated climate goals. She urged the committee to send the item back to committee so staff could provide a clearer plan for solar installations and the building’s renewable-energy components.

Committee members asked staff how solar would interact with the gas service. Alan and other staff explained the two systems are separate: the gas will serve the gas-fired equipment and will continue to be needed for those large spaces, while rooftop and carport solar systems are expected to reduce electricity purchased from the grid. Staff noted the rooftop photovoltaic system is not scheduled for installation for about three years and likely would be implemented under a power-purchase agreement with a solar developer. Staff estimated the rooftop system could generate roughly one-third of the building’s electricity, but said final incentives and contract terms have not been established.

Greg Burnett and other members expressed concern about committing to a long-term gas agreement while renewable technologies and incentives are evolving. Alan said the agreement is intended to guarantee service where gas infrastructure is installed and that gas service companies require a commitment because of the utility investment in infrastructure. The committee voted to approve the agreement; Heather Dunn recorded an abstention during other votes in the meeting and raised related concerns earlier, and several members requested more detailed solar planning be provided to the committee in upcoming updates.