July
The Franconia Energy Commission met July 21, 2026. Regarding the Town Hall Solar Energy System, electrician Justin Poulton is managing pole burial and line removal. The utility pole meter (72 358 500) will be returned to Eversource, saving ~$21/month. The streetlight attached to the pole requires replacement. The Commission proposed installing an EV charging station at this site. Municipal solar expansion faces an IRA program deadline of December 31, 2026. Eric and Dave will complete Dow clock lighting. Dan and Chris will meet Principal Amy Kopp regarding the Lafayette School Pavilion Lighting Project. The Commission will restart energy audits and outreach to Fire Chief Tyler Gaudette and Police Chief Martin A Cashin regarding the Safety building. With a plug-in solar bill effective January 1, 2027, the Commission will create a citizen user guide for the town website and attend an August 5 webinar. The sale of the Presby maintenance garage is in process. The next meeting is August 25, 2026. Source: https://www.franconianh.gov/uploads/1/1/6/8/11680191/energy_commission_minutes_7_21_2026.pdf
FRANCONIA ENERGY COMMISSION MINUTES July 21, 2026, 4:30 PM In attendance: Eric, Chris, Dave, Bob Franconia Town Hall Solar Energy System • Pole removal in front of the Welcome Center, including burying the lines, is being managed by electrician Justin Poulton. FEC coordinating with him on removal and burying the lines. • Meter at the utility pole (72 358 500) is not connected to anything, to be returned to Eversource (rental ~ $21/month). • Removal of the pole will also remove the attached streetlight. Replacement of the streetlight with alternative lighting should be incorporated into this project. • Propose to also install EV charging station at this site. Municipal solar expansion • IRA program ends Dec 31, 2026 • Franconia expansion at Town Garage/Transfer Station? Dow clock lighting: to be completed by Eric and Dave, TBD Lafayette School Pavilion Lighting Project • Dan and Chris to meet with Principal Amy Kopp Energy and System Efficiency Audits • Restart energy audits, as part of reviewing town energy usage. • Franconia Safety building: outreach to Fire (Chief Tyler Gaudette) and Police (Chief Martin A Cashin) about managing energy usage. Balcony Solar Systems (AKA Plug-in solar) • As of July 2026, Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire have signed a plug-in solar bill into law. • NH bill goes into effect January 1, 2027. o The DOE is developing a nationally recognized standard for the safety of plug-in solar. • Create a citizen user guide for this technology, for posting on town website. • Attend Aug 5 webinar on PIPV/Balcony Solar. Ongoing Town Business • Sale of Presby maintenance garage on Easton Rd behind Town Garage to Franconia in process? Next meeting: August 25, 2026 @ 4:30 at the Dow Pavilion (moved from Aug 18 to accommodate schedules). Meeting Adjourned 5:45 pm Respectfully submitted, Chris Dubé