Attendance:  Please see attachment for attendance

Connecticut River Valley Council of Elected Officials

Minutes

                                                            March 28, 2007                                 

I.                Chairman Phil Miller called the meeting to order at noon at the Baci Grill on Rte. 372 Cromwell, Ct.  Round table introductions were given.

II.           Guests

         Chairman Miller deferred to Selectman Beaulieu, both as host and as a customer of EnerNOC to introduce Charles Nelson, Business Development Manager of EnerNOC.  Mr. Nelson was responsible for enrolling the Cromwell school system in the EnerNOC program. He, in turn, introduced EnerNOC Director of Business Development Michael Rigney who explained the program as a demand response plan that decreases the demand for power from the grid for a short period of time by reducing the use or turning on emergency generators.

       The demand for power in Southwestern Connecticut on hot summer days is placing a strain on the system, thereby gaining the designation of a Constrained Area. Connecticut is fined $300,000,000 annually by the federal government because there is a strain on the capacity. The fifty-six towns of Southwestern Connecticut have joined together to alleviate the situation. Mr. Rigney announced that EnerNOC is part of the solution.

      Towns and/or other large users of electricity may enter into a contract with EnerNOC at no charge. EnerNOC will install digital meters and carefully analyze the use. EnerNOC will determine the current actual use and the anticipated amount of demand that could be reduced during an emergency. The company is looking for participants that can save 75 KW per minute. The participating community will be paid a Systems Benefit charge for participating. A Board of Education can receive direct credit.

      Brad Parker asked how EnerNOC differs from the ISO program offered by CL&P. Mr. Rigney explained that EnerNOC does more analysis and makes recommendations prior to starting the program. EnerNOC also monitors individual performance during an emergency. EnerNOC is in contract with CL&P.

       Mr. Rigney assured members that asking towns to curtail use or switch to back up generators is step 12 in a 16 step process. It directly precedes the Governor going on the air to ask for public cooperation. It is expected to happen only once or twice a year. Each incident lasts only about two hours. When such an emergency occurs, participants are paid an additional “energy payment”. EnerNOC is in turn paid by ISO and CL&P.  The statewide payment is about $3,000,000 which can be $10,000 to $15,000 per community. Twenty-three communities currently participate.

             There will be a thirty-minute formal notification prior to an incident. Incidents will be declared only during daytime hours, usually in the afternoon of a hot August day.

            Tim Griswold mentioned that CCM has a program that involves energy groups. He asked if non-municipal buildings or organizations could be aggregated with the town. He cited the case of a private college in his town. There is no limit on who may participate. Currently 15% of the 1100 buildings in the program are classified as governmental.

            Jim McLaughlin asked how the cost of running the generator compares to the energy payment. The Energy Payment is about 25% more than the cost of running most generators. It is relatively insignificant. The Energy payment of $80.00 per KW year is where the town makes money.

            It usually takes about 45 days between the enrollment of a new client and full participation.

III.       Minutes

         Brad Parker moved that the minutes of the February meeting be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Jon Brayshaw and unanimously approved.  

IV.    Business

Legislative Report

1. Governor Rell

Chairman Miller introduced Jeff Nelson who represents Governor Rell in Eastern Connecticut. Jeff mentioned that he also attends the meetings of the Lower Connecticut River Valley Selectmen’s Association. Some of the CRVCEO towns are a bit west of the Second Congressional boundaries but Jeff explained that the boundaries are very loosely drawn. He can comfortably represent their concerns.

Tim Griswold asked about the prospects for ECS funding. Selectmen explained that small towns are losing money under the new formula. Several gave Jeff specific examples of the new and old dollar amounts.

Both Chairman Miller and Brad Parker commented on the importance to small towns of STEAP grants and TAR money.

Tom Marsh suggested that a portion of the income tax be allocated to municipalities according to ZIP code.

2. Rep. Courtney

            Brad Parker reported that Jennie Contois had called him to say that she had a conflicting meeting. She asked him to remind members of the Town Meeting in Clinton at 3:30 PM on April 4 and the Open House in Norwich on April 5.

V. Old Business

Chairman Miller asked Wini Olson to explain the LUCA program. LUCA is the Local Update of Census Addresses for the 2010 Census. Since representation in Congress, as well as state and federal grants, is based on the census counts, it is in the best interest of each town to review the local list and be sure that all new dwellings have been added. Members agreed to participate and to encourage Town Clerks, Building Department Personnel, Registrars, and other interested employees to participate in the program. Training sessions will be scheduled in July.

VI. New Business

   While waiting for the check, Chairman Miller asked for a round table review of local budgets.

    Chairman Miller announced that the lunch again averages $13.00 per person.

     The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 PM.

     Respectfully submitted,

     Wini Olson, Staff