Marlborough to launch Home Energy Coaching program; Selectmen appoint new Energy Committee member

Marlborough selectmen on July 23 reviewed a proposed partnership between the town’s Energy Committee and the Monadnock Sustainability Hub to offer a Home Energy Coaching Program that would connect residents with one-on-one coaches to advise on energy-efficiency upgrades and available financial incentives. The committee distributed a draft Memorandum of Understanding and said it will conduct outreach, including direct-mail postcards, ahead of a kickoff event scheduled for Oct. 4, 2025, at the FFL.

The Energy Committee told the board there are four coaches available to serve Marlborough: GJ Pearce, Jerry Burns, Ted Mead and another resident on Route 124. Jerry Burns and Ted Mead, attending for the committee, described the coach role and noted that the program would be the third community to launch the effort. The committee plans to work on marketing and enrollment materials with a design company.

Selectman Pitt asked whether any federal or state incentives would be awarded retroactively. Jerry Burns advised the board that the town should wait until New Hampshire finalizes its program rules before taking action; Burns said federal incentives remain intact but that state-level funding and implementation were still unresolved, and that some tax credits currently exist through year-end.

Chairman Paight moved to appoint GJ Pearce to the Energy Committee; Selectman Nelson seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. The board also noted that Trent Boehmler has resigned from both the Energy Committee and the Conservation Committee.

Next steps the board identified include finalizing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, proceeding with the planned outreach, and following state guidance on incentives as it becomes available. The Energy Committee’s kickoff remains scheduled for Oct. 4, 2025.