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Town reports $68,500 community-action grant to fund batteries and resiliency work
Summary
The town manager reported a statewide community-action allocation of $68,500 to Newcastle for battery backup, a potential battery-loan program and website/resiliency work; the manager said battery procurement is underway and timing may affect eligibility for direct-pay tax benefits if equipment is activated by June 30, 2025.
During the manager’s report on May 12, the town manager said Newcastle was allocated $68,500 from a state community action program. The award will largely support battery backup for the municipal building, development of a battery loan program and website/resiliency outreach; the manager said the original application requested $75,000 but was reduced to $68,500 to align with program priorities.
The manager said ordering is underway and that activating solar and battery equipment by June 30 could make the town eligible for direct-pay tax-credit mechanisms under current IRS rules, which the manager described as time-sensitive. She cautioned that federal programs and tax-credit treatments are subject to change and that the town will move quickly to meet fiscal-year timing if possible.
The board was told staff will present formal grant paperwork at a future meeting (anticipated May 27) and that manager will pursue direct-pay options, coordinate with CMP for interconnection, and develop protocols for a battery-loan program if approved.
