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Weare commission hears solar and building‑audit updates; no contracts approved
Summary
Commissioners received an energy audit report and updates on local solar contracts, discussed concerns about multi‑decade contracts that could preclude town‑owned solar, and agreed to seek more information before any contractual commitment.
The Weare Energy Commission reviewed recent building energy assessments and updates on local solar projects but did not approve any new contracts.
Members reported on a site visit conducted through New Hampshire Saves by Richard Burns of Northeast Air Seal, who inspected the south fire station, town office and safety complex and said weather‑stripping, insulation and other measures could yield significant savings. Commissioners said the building maintenance fund is depleted and that any near‑term retrofits would likely require external grant funding.
On solar projects, the commission said the contract with Barrington Solar is still under negotiation; staff and the vendor are working through insurance language and allocation of responsibilities. Commissioners emphasized the need to resolve insurance and liability details before moving forward.
The group also discussed Kearsarge Energy and concerns that including certain municipal facilities in a long‑term aggregator or vendor contract could prevent the town from installing its own solar arrays on those sites during the contract term. One member warned that a 20‑year contract could "handcuff future energy commissions" and argued the commission should avoid arrangements without rights to amend or break the agreement.
The commission noted that some vendor arrangements include modest profit‑sharing with towns; members recalled an example of roughly $2,000 per year from a firm that, according to discussion at the meeting, is required by state law to allocate a portion of profits to municipalities. Commissioners said those small recurring payments need to be weighed against potential lost opportunities if facilities are locked into long contracts.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the May minutes (reported earlier as a 3‑0‑0 vote), accepted the March minutes as amended (motion by a member, seconded and approved with two ayes and one abstention), and voted to adjourn at 08:04 by voice vote. No procurement decisions or contract awards were made at the meeting; several items were continued pending vendor proposals and further staff follow‑up.
What happens next: staff will share contractor reports when available, the chair will invite Kearsarge and other vendors to provide updated bids and usage data, and the commission will return these items to a future meeting for further review.
