ENERGY COMMITTEE


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The Energy Committee is a standing committee of seven members established to guide the Town of Exeter toward reduced energy consumption in order to promote public health and efficient Town services.  The Committee will be composed of five volunteer citizens, one member of the Department of Public Works, one Selectmen's representative.

The Committee will provide a report to the Board of Selectmen, in August of 2008, recommending and prioritizing changes in Town Department procedures with regard to cost savings, cost of implementing changes and the immediacy of advantages of any change.  The report deadline is identified to coincide with the budgeting process of the Town such that any recommendations may be incorporated for proposed spending in the Capital Improvement Plan 2009 and proposed budget for FY09.  Any proposal for cost savings or educational outreach that may be accomplished prior of August of 2008 within any Town Department's FY08 budget shall be brought to the attention of the Town Manager and affected Department for consideration of its immediate implementation.

Upon completion of the report, the Board of Selectmen shall recharge the Committee to aid in implementing identified recommendations and/or continued examination of the following goals:

Goals

1. Examine ways the Town can reduce energy consumption;

2. Identify and recommend to the Board of Selectmen short term and long term solutions for Town Departments;
- Cost savings;
- Reduced Energy Consumption;
- Integration of alternative energy;
- Energy Efficiency Education
- Ecological Impacts

3. Identify and recommend to the Board of Selectmen community education opportunities and subject matter;

4. Research and recommend funding options for education;

5. Research and recommend funding options for institution of new energy efficient solutions;

6. Research and recommend tax incentives for residents or businesses that undertake energy conservation improvements and/or ecological impact reduction;

7. Work with Planning Board to establish energy efficient and sustainable design ordinances;

8. Explore "green technologies" as part of any new municipal building project and report on same to the Board of Selectmen; evaluate costs and benefits of these options;

9. Develop a set of measurable criteria for workable solutions of municipal changes to evaluate costs.

Charge adopted by the Board of Selectmen October 15, 2007