Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Efficiency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marlborough Energy Committee presents mini-split heat pump estimates, seeks phased plan and incentives
Summary
The Energy Committee presented two contractor estimates for mini-split heat pumps at town buildings, highlighted a possible federal 'direct pay' incentive of roughly 30%, and recommended phased installation and more detailed quotes; board asked for cost-recovery estimates and follow-up information.
Marge Shepardson and Jerry Burns of the town’s Energy Committee presented competing estimates for mini-split heat-pump systems to serve the Town Office, police department and other municipal spaces, urging the board to consider phased installation. The board discussed unit sizes, whether a single unit would adequately serve the police office, and the need for more detailed quotes that would allow incremental installation.
The committee presented two contractor estimates: Jim Rogers Plumbing & Heating quoted $38,000 for Samsung equipment (which did not include an electric-service upgrade), while Keating Plumbing & Heating quoted $51,275 for Mitsubishi equipment (which included a 200-amp electric service upgrade). The quoted equipment would work with the existing oil furnaces and provide heating, air conditioning and dehumidification, the committee said.
Jerry Burns, who also represents the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, explained available federal incentives and consumer rebates and said the municipality appears to be eligible for a 'direct pay' option that could provide incentives of approximately 30 percent even though the town does not pay federal income taxes. Burns said such incentives would require the town to pay project costs up front and then apply for reimbursement.
Selectmen asked follow-up questions about energy-savings payback periods, the expected change in the town’s electric bills, and whether one indoor unit would suffice for the police department office given that officers sometimes close individual offices. The board asked the Energy Committee to obtain more-detailed, line-item quotes and to explore phasing the installation so the project could be staged over time. Marge Shepardson and Jerry Burns said they would follow up with the requested information, including a clearer cost for the 200-amp electric service upgrade.
The board did not take a formal vote on the project; the committee will return with additional estimates and technical details for the board’s consideration.
