Boothbay considering an array of solar power options

Fri, 09/25/2020 - 7:45am

As a seven-year solar power energy agreement expires in 2020, Boothbay is considering its options in the renewable energy business. In 2013, Boothbay and ReVision Energy entered into an agreement creating the Boothbay Solar Array. The town committed to using ReVision Energy electricity at a reduced price in exchange for an option to buy the solar panels attached to the public works building for $1. On Sept. 23, selectmen briefly discussed if maintenance costs for the panels were the most economical long term path.

The board is balancing its options with a proposal from SunRaise Investments of Manchester, New Hampshire. Town Manager Dan Bryer reported Joe Harrison, a former Boothbay resident and SunRaise Investments representative, contacted him about a new solar project in Waldoboro. If Boothbay joined the project, the town would receive electricity at a reduced price. Selectman Chuck Cunningham proposed seeing projected bills for each proposal. “I think we need to take our time and figure out the costs. I’d like to see what our maintenance costs look like with purchasing the solar panels and what our electric bills would’ve looked like from SunRaise for the past six months,” he said.

Bryer reported Sunrise Investments already offered to examine the town’s ReVision Energy bills, but he held off until the board discussed the offer. 

In other action, selectmen moved closer to creating a citizen’s committee for examining a report outlining the town’s broadband needs. In July, Casco Bay Associates President Brian Lippold presented his report on gaps in the town’s high-speed broadband coverage. The 30-page report showed Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor had better cable television and internet access than other rural towns across the state. The report showed Boothbay Harbor residents had 99% access and Boothbay residents had close to 90%.

Lippold’s report showed Boothbay’s gap occurred along eight rural roads impacting 141 homes. One of Lippold’s recommendations is forming a citizen’s committee to develop municipal  “visions and goals” for broadband coverage. Selectmen also considered how to proceed with an expired Spectrum cable franchise agreement. Selectman Steve Lewis recommended beginning negotiations with Spectrum for a new agreement, but also seek offers from other providers. “Let’s see what Spectrum offers, and if it’s not what we want, we can go another direction,” he said.

Bryer reported the new street light project is proceeding. Affinity Lighting is replacing 179 old sodium-based street lights with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). “The paperwork between CMP and Affinity is complete and we’re ready to start the streetlight replacement,” Bryer said.

Selectmen are planning a series of four 15-minute interviews to replace Kirk Brewer as one of the town’s Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District representatives. Brewer resigned after he accepted a job in Florida. 

Selectmen authorized buying a new pick-up truck from O’Connor’s in Augusta. The board voted 5-0 to accept the $34,525 bid plus an extended warranty cost. The town may accept a $10,000 O’Connor’s trade-in offer which may reduce the price, according to Bryer. 

Selectmen voted 4-1 to place the revised municipal ordinances on the Nov. 3 ballot. Selectman Desiree Scorcia cast the dissenting vote.

Selectmen meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12.