Council approves Silent Sherpa contract to centralize energy procurement for town and schools

The Town Council voted to award an energy-consulting and management contract to Silent Sherpa to consolidate utility procurement for the town and school department.

Ed Collins (S8) recommended the contract as part of a shared-services approach that would synchronize contract end dates, improve portfolio management and provide centralized transparency for both municipal and school accounts. He said the firm can help align contract periods to the town's fiscal year and proactively lock in rates when market conditions are favorable.

Silent Sherpa representative James Grosso (S23) said his firm manages energy portfolios for public and private clients and does not accept commissions from vendors, which he framed as a conflict-free, transparent approach. Grosso explained the firm actively monitors futures markets and can time purchases to mitigate price volatility.

Councilors asked about opportunities to incorporate virtual net-metering or community-solar arrangements and about how consolidated procurement would interact with the school's energy needs when the new high school comes online. The consultant said the town already participates in virtual net-metering credits and that consolidated management will improve credit allocation and forecasting.

The resolution authorizing the finance director to execute a contract with Silent Sherpa passed on a voice vote recorded as 'Aye.' Councilors said the work should improve budgeting and reduce procurement risk for utilities as the new school increases electric load.