Reading Energy Board: firehouse electrical upgrade underway; heat-pump install set for June 1

The Reading Energy Board discussed active MERP-funded upgrades at the town firehouse on May 20, with board member Brian Cali describing new electrical work and a near-term heat-pump installation. "The new service is two, 200-amp services totaling 400 amps," Brian said, and he reported that trenching and conduit work was completed after DIG SAFE markings and without damage to unmarked utility lines.

A separate exterior panel will power the heat pumps and will not be on the generator back-up; the interior panel will have generator back-up. Brian said heat-pump installation is scheduled to start on June 1 and that the project scope includes installing a barometric pressure relief valve to manage negative pressure along with an exhaust fan. The board reported a revised scope of work has been submitted to MERP to make the planned work explicit and speed reimbursement; the transcript records that BGS and Bob Allen signed off after Martha Harrison flagged wording issues.

Board members noted the need to coordinate post-installation settings with building managers so occupants get expected comfort from the new systems. The minutes also record that batteries were removed from the recent scope revision because available funding would not cover them. The board did not record a formal vote on any action in this segment; next steps noted in the minutes are the June 1 start date and continued coordination with MERP and building staff.