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Middletown tables regional energy‑benchmarking LOU after resident concerns about data and enforcement
Summary
Officials presented a draft letter of understanding with DVRPC and Green Building United to pilot energy benchmarking for municipal and large commercial buildings; after extended public comment about data sharing and potential downstream enforcement, the board voted 3–0 to table the matter for further EAC review.
Township staff asked the Board of Supervisors to authorize execution of a letter of understanding with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and Green Building United to participate in a regional energy‑benchmarking pilot. The program would collect building energy consumption data—initially for municipal buildings and larger commercial properties (25,000+ sq ft)—and provide technical assistance toward efficiency improvements.
The proposal prompted lengthy public comment. Resident Michael Morris warned that requiring building owners to provide energy data could lead to penalties or higher costs passed to tenants: "Don't go down this rabbit hole...Incentivize, don't ask for their information," he said. Other speakers, including an EAC member, described the program as a planning and data‑gathering exercise to create baselines for future efficiency work.
Given the questions and concern from business owners and residents about opt‑outs, enforcement and tenant impacts, the board voted 3–0 to table the LOU and refer the issue to the Environmental Advisory Committee for further study before any binding action.
