Salem Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy Public Meeting Summary Salem Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy
Public Meeting Summary
Salem City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street
October 20, 2009
On October 20, approximately 15 persons attended the first of two public meetings regarding the
creation of the Salem Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy(EECS). The Metropolitan Area
Planning Council (MAPC) is working with an EECS Workgroup established by the city to complete and
submit its strategy to the US Department of Energy by the end of December under the EECBG Program
Following introductions, a short overview of the EECBG was given as follows:
Summary of the EECBG
In September, Salem received $174, 300 of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)
funds from the Department of Energy. These funds were directly allocated to the City as a provision in
the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). The purpose of the EECBG is to encourage the
implementation of projects and programs that will help reduce energy consumption in communities
while also stimulating the economy and creating jobs.
The period of performance for the EECBG is 36 months, however the funds should be
obligated/committed within 18 months from the effective date of award. For the City of Salem,this
obligation date is March 4, 2011.
Key Aspects of the Strategy
As an initial requirement of the EECBG Program,the City must submit to DOE a proposed Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. This strategy must discuss:
1. Measureable goals and objectives for the use of the EECBG funds that correspond with
community-wide goals
2. Summary of activities that will be implemented with the EECBG
3. Description of coordination with surrounding communities and the state
4. Sustainable benefits that extend beyond the EECBG funding
Additionally, the Strategy should attempt to:
• Maximize benefits over the longest possible terms
• Target projects that provide substantial energy savings,job creation and economic stimulus
effects.
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• Leverage federal funds with other public and private resources
• Ensure oversight,transparency, and accountability for all program activities.
Potential EECS Projects
Draft projects were presented including:
• Traffic light retrofit from incandescent to LED fixtures. City Electrician and EECS Workgroup
member John Giardi said that in addition to substantial savings from switching from the 100
watt standard traffic luminaire to the 23 watt LED fixture,the city would see recognize
substantial labor savings as the LEDS last 9 years versus 1000 hours for a conventional traffic
luminaire. John has identified 525 traffic light lamps and 290 walk signs for replacement at a
total cost of$120,510. National Grid will provide a$45,000 rebate for this project.
• Paul L'Heureux, Salem School Department Director of Building Services, presented the School
Department's energy conservation projects to date, including the retrofitting of the High School
gym lights and the proposed retrofits of Exit Signs at the Bentley, Collins and Saltonstall Schools.
The schools are seeking$95, 746.43 under the EECBG funding, which reflects a $69,353 rebate
from National Grid. Once all projects are implemented, Salem can anticipate energy savings of
$39,516.67 per year with a projected payback period from energy savings (without DOER funds)
of 2.4 years.
• The city is also developing information and seeking proposals about installing photovoltaic
panels about two parking garages in conjunction with National Grid.
Public Input and Comments
Public comments reflected support for programs and projects developed by the city and also included a
desire to include the development of programs to enable city property owners to perform energy
efficiency upgrades, perhaps through the use of a city or state revolving loan fund, energy efficient
mortgages or related programs.
Long Range Planning and EECS Themes
Cindy Keegan, Chairman of the Salem Renewable Energy Task Force, reviewed projects completed or
underway by the RETF including:
• Winter Island wind turbine- MET tower data study underway
• Drafting and adoption of wind turbine siting ordinance
• Solar panels bonus match at High School awarded by MassTech Collabortive for having the 51h
highest GreenUp participation rate in MA
• Member of ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection with completed baseline emissions inventories for
2002 and 2004 with 2008 inventory underway using Salem State College intern
• Member of EPA and Keyspan Community Energy Challenges
• Case studies and press releases published on EE at local schools and waste water facilities
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• Created Clean Energy Week program
• Helped establish North Shore Transportation Management Association to promote alternative
commuting and transportation options, e.g. city bike path project
• Regional application to MA Green Communities program with Swampscott
• Future: explore possibility of establishing a Cape Light Compact type aggregator on the North
Shore for the purchase of energy. The city currently is under a 2009—20016 energy purchase
contract from the energy broker TransCanada
In addition,the city is completing and RFQ process to interview Energy Services Management
Companies (ESCO) and is quite interested in developing a long term energy services
management plan if an ESCO is selected.
Themes for the EECS: By consensus, meeting attendees agreed that the overall themes for the
EECS should build on the current accomplishments of city staff and the RETF, the strong
likelihood that the city will enter into a long-term energy services management plan and the
city's commitment to becoming a certified Green Community under the MA Green Community
Program.
Summary submitted by Sam Cleaves, MAPC
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