Committee hears energy‑audit savings and a 10‑year fleet‑electrification plan

Staff summarized energy audits of six city‑owned buildings (two schools, two golf course buildings, the Bangor Innovation Center and the central fire station), noting common low‑cost measures—low‑flow fixtures, insulating hot‑water pipes and air sealing—that would yield utility savings. Staff flagged several higher‑cost retrofits (wall insulation and other building envelope work) that would have longer payback cycles but significant lifetime savings.

On fleet electrification, staff presented a total‑cost‑of‑ownership analysis for the city fleet and recommended a 10‑year, phased transition focusing on light‑duty vehicles and shared Level‑2 chargers. The report estimated lifetime savings for light vehicles between 11% and 31%; staff said a full 10‑year transition for the city’s light‑duty fleet could yield roughly $1.2 million in savings. Staff also noted that medium and heavy duty vehicles remain largely infeasible now because of charging infrastructure and upfront costs.

Committee members asked about heat‑pump feasibility and the duration of the city’s low‑electricity contract at about 11¢ per kilowatt hour; staff said that contract rate is limited in duration and that building‑by‑building analysis is necessary because heating systems and fuel sources vary. On battery life for EVs, staff cited the report’s finding that battery lifetimes are expected to be around 13 years and that manufacturer warranties are commonly available.

Members generally welcomed the recommendations and asked staff to return with departmental input, cost timing, and prioritized implementation steps. Staff emphasized prioritizing vehicles with consistent usage patterns to make charger sharing and scheduling efficient.