• Enfield Energy Emporium comes to town

    The EEC would like to welcome the newest business in town, the Enfield Energy Emporium at 60 Main Street in Enfield which had its grand opening Saturday April 11, 2009.   http://www.energyemp.com

  • Enfield Recycles!

    Enfield accepts #1, #2 and #7 plastics for recycling at the transfer station, no matter what the shape or size of the container is.  Solid Waste & Recycling Program Guide.

  • Switch to compact flourescent bulbs

    image The Compact Fluorescent puts out a wide variety of light using less than 1/4 as much energy as an incandescent bulb.
    EEC encourages residents to switch bulbs to save energy, money and the environment.

  • Streetlight study

    Enfield spent over $25,000 last year to run 227 streetlights which consume more then 102,756 Kilowatt hours a year emitting more then 77 TONS of Co2.

  • No idling

    IDLING WASTES FUEL AND MONEY

    Needless idling burns our hard earned dollars through the exhaust pipe.

    An idling vehicle gets 0 miles to the gallon.

April 28, 2009 Meeting Minutes
ENFIELD ENERGY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES of 4/28/2009 -Approved-
 
MISSION STATEMENT: To identify energy savings for the town and energy savings opportunities for the community
 
CURRENT GOAL: Our goal is a 10% reduction in total energy consumption by the Town by the end of 2009 with incremental decreases thereafter, toward a three year goal of 25 % reduction in total consumption by the Town (relative to the 2007 baseline data) by the end of the 2011 fiscal year.
 
DATE/TIME: April 28, 2009  5:00 PM
 
LOCATION: Whitney Hall Conference Room, 23 Main Street, Enfield, NH
 
I.  Call to order 5:05 PM
 
 Attendance: Present, Alisa Bonette (Administrative Staff person), Steve Goldsmith (Chair person), Bo Petersson (alternate), Wendell Smith, Rich Lammert, Carol Lammert
 Absent: John Burritt (alternate), Charles DePuy
 Guest: Gary Hubbard of Leading Edge Design Group
 Public: Kim Quirk
 
II.  Approval of minutes for 3,24, 2009 meeting
 
 Approved with revisions for typographical errors as submitted by e-mail.
 
III.  Public Comment
 
 Kim Quirk had earlier submitted an item for the meeting agenda to address the status of incentives, rebates, etc. that towns are offering to encourage the use of residential renewable energy.  She referenced a website for New Hampshire towns and municipalities with tax exemptions for renewable energy; http://www/nh.gov/oep/programs/energy/renewableenergy/NMMunicipalitieswithPropertyTaxExemptionsforRenewables.htm#Grafton.   Kim noted that Enfield had “no” indicated for exemptions for any of the renewable energy systems in residences.  Steve Goldsmith referenced the 2008 Town Hall Meeting minutes, Articles 16 (solar)and 17 (wind power).   The committee discussed the correct interpretation of the final version of Articles 16 and 17 regarding assessed value and the practical aspects of how resale value might be effected.  Alisa will confer with Julie to clarify the mechanisms of how tax exemptions are implemented.
 
IV.  Presentation by Leading Edge Design
 
 Gary Hubbard, Designer of Electrical Efficiency for commercial and public buildings and an Enfield resident  presented work that his company does that could benefit the concerns that the Energy Committee has addressed regarding interior  and exterior  building lighting and energy usage.  The committee presented concerns for town owned lighting at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, flag pole lighting, the historic area “acorn” fixtures, and the bridge lighting.  Gary presented potential modifications such as LED bulbs, motion sensors, dimmer effects among many other design features that would save energy costs while maintaining esthetically pleasing features. Additionally, the lighting for the proposal for the revisions of the Huse Park area was mentioned.   Gary offered that he could assist by sharing ideas and cost estimates on modifications might be made to a particular project selected by the Energy Committee.  Funding is a major concern.  Kim offered to look into rebates that might be applicable.  Gary offered to also provide his insight into small projects.  The committee was appreciative of Gary’s offer to assist the town.
 A motion was made by Rich that the Committee contact Gary to request a cost assessment for lighting of the Veteran’s Memorial Park to decrease the overall energy consumption.  The motion was seconded by Wendell.  The motion passed unanimously.   Prior to noticeable revisions the committee voiced interest in conferring with those citizens who were instrumental in developing the Memorial Park.
 
V.  Old Business
 
 Use of the Amazing Fantastic EEC Light Bulb Display Board
 
  Kim reported that there has been keen interest from customers in working with the light board in her shop and during its opening day activities.  In her store it is in a secure area and she did not perceive that there would be an issue with needing to protect the bulbs from accidental breakage.  She also noted that customers are impressed with the Kill-A-Watt readings when comparing the energy use for bulbs, particularly the incandescent and LED holiday lights.  Display of the board at other locations such as Enfield Hardware would be appropriate; however, space within the hardware store may be an issue.  Use of the board at public events such as the Farmers’ Market and the Shaker Museum’s spring Sustainability Festival are other considerations.  Portability of the board is a concern.
 
  The committee was pleased with the feature article in the Valley News on the
  opening of the Enfield Energy Emporium that included  a photo of the light board.
 
  Steve spoke to his satisfaction with an LED bulb that he had recently purchased. 
  He asked that LED bulbs, in addition to CFL’s be included for comparison of
  various qualities and energy savings.
 
  Additional costs for the renovations of the board was deferred pending John
  Burritt’s presence.
 
  Instructions for the Kill-A-Watt meter and the Smart Outlet Strip for the Library
  One modification suggested is to enhance the headings with bold print.  With these changes they were approved.  (Attachments # 1 and #2)  These instructions will be provided with the equipment that can now be checked out from the Library.  Alisa will forward the information to Head Librarian, Marjorie Carr.
 
 Earth Month - select CFL bulbs available at cost from Enfield Hardware and the Energy   Emporium
 
  Carol reported that various Enfield stores were consulted and that the these two stores agreed to offer select bulbs at cost.  Kim Quirk consulted with Ken Stanford and they developed the plan to promote energy savings on 60, 70 and 100 Watt equivalent bulbs from April 22, Earth Day 2009, through May 22.  Kim said she has sold 4 - 5 bulbs at cost  in the past 6 business days.  The committee expressed thanks to these businesses for their commitment to Earth Month.
 
 Follow up on Earth Hour
 
  Members spoke to their observations.  They did not determine a discernable
  difference in the locations that were observed.  Earth Hour is a relatively new international endeavor and there may be a need greater publicity on light pollution, wasted energy and the value of dark skies,.  One comment was that it fell relatively close to Earth Day and may not have been perceived as having its own entity.  For 2010 the committee may promote Earth Week and Earth Hour.
  Participation in the village may include turning off lights that are within the towns
  control; the bridge and Veteran’s Memorial park for the observation times.
 
 Follow up on Earth Day activities and visibility
 
  Regarding handing out information on CFL bulbs Carol reported that on April 22, Earth Day, there were approximately 20 vehicles contacted within 1 and 1/4 hours starting at 12 noon when the Transfer station opened.  Several citizens reported having converted their entire home to use of CFL bulbs.  One individual spoke to the concern for mercury content of the bulbs.  Carol provided that individual with the NH DES information on how to clean up if a bulb broke.  Regarding disposal several people were unaware that the Transfer Station collects any size or shape intact fluorescent bulbs.  One individual commented that she could not afford CFL’s.  The committee discussed how a program might set up to offer bulbs to senior citizens unable to purchase them.  Kim will check on availability of money for lighting in the government’s stimulus package.
 
  Information provided on Idling Awareness was less well received, in Carol’s opinion.  Hand outs from the NH DES were provided.  Responses were that people did idle in cold weather.  A few vehicles were observed idling as they progressed through the transfer station stops. 
 
  Andy MacDonald commented that many recycling bins had been purchased.  He said fewer under sink containers were sold.  He does offer a free alternative.  Rain water collection barrels are now available.  Carol concluded that the experience at the Transfer Station was good, folks were pleasant and she was very appreciative of Mr. MacDonald’s helpfulness.
 
  The committee may wish to offer additional activities for Earth Day 2010.
 
 Follow up on HB 303 on No Idling
 
  The bill was killed.
 
 Update on energy related projects around town (Shaker Village Sustainability project, Library Geothermal and ad-hoc group studying Renewable Energy options in Enfield)
 
  Wendell reported that the hydro electric power for the Shaker Museum is close to
  obtaining a device.  It will probably be used only when there is an adequate water flow.  Wendell is conferring with Tim Taylor on generation of hydro electric power in the area of the old Baltic Mill.  Remnants of the former system were mentioned.  One speculation is to acquire a wooden water wheel.  Ideas were exchanged on selling hydro power to the town for systems within the town’s control ( down town and bridge lights).  Wendell will explore this concept.
 
  Wendell reported that work on the Smith Pond dam is going forward.  Finances
  were discussed.
 
  Bo reported there is no new report on the Library.
 
 Progress report on Town Energy Audit/Baseline consumption and impact/emissions data
 
  Report deferred pending Charlie’s presence.
 
  Steve questioned why the hall lights in the DPW’s building are on constantly.  It
  was noted that there is no light switch to turn them off/on.  Alisa will confer with Ken Daniels.
 
 Street light and outdoor lighting project update
 
  The committee cited the April 25, 2009 Valley News article on Hartford, Vermont’s Energy Committee’s street lighting initial plan in which 40 % of their 562 lights may be turned off for potentially an annual savings of greater than $25,000.  (It is suggested that 217 be removed and 7 added.)  Their current cost for street lights is $120,000 per year; however, the next fiscal budget for lighting has been cut $10,000.  A comparison was made with the Hartford criteria used to determine which lights are unnecessary, need modification and where lights may be added with the criteria used by Jaffrey, NH in their street light project.  Wendell motioned that Carol draft criteria based on these two models and the preliminary survey done by this committee for discussion at the next meeting.  The motion was seconded by Rich.  The motion was approved.  
 
VI. New Business
 
 Upcoming Events in which the ECC might participate
 
  Representation of Enfield Energy Committee at the SERG meeting May 13
 
   Rich, Carol and Kim will attend.  Carol will provide a brief review of the committee’s work
 
  Participation in the Shaker Museum’s June Country living festival June 6, 2009
 
   The committee discussed what information the committee might present.
   Wendell suggested that the Energy Audit data with calculations for all
   energy used (diesel, propane, and electric) be provided and compared to the committee’s goals.  It was suggested that Wendell confer with Charlie to determine if adequate information is available. Having the light board present was discussed; transportation and availability of electricity were  concerns.  There is a cost of $10.00 for a booth which Wendell said he would pay.
 
  Participation as a non-profit organization in one Farmers’ Market day
 
   Carol will contact Martha Doelle, Market Manager,  to learn if there would
   be a cost for an inside booth for the day.
 
  Individuals were encouraged to attend Solar Fest on July 10, 11, 12.
 
 Recent press on regional energy concerns
 
  (Valley News articles have been address in the preceding minutes).
 
  The video tape of the opening of the Enfield Energy Emporium are being
  processed.  Eventually, excerpts may be carried on the local TV station.  It was noted that John Burritt’s expertise in production is being sought. 
 
 Town of Enfield proposal for TIF improvements in Huse Park... lighting concerns
 
  Carol reported that Steve Schneider  responded that the Energy Committee’s interest in the lighting portion of the proposal would be forwarded to Tim Taylor.
 
 Question on town taxes on renewable energy installations (See comments under Public at
  the beginning of the minutes.)
 
 Energy meter with computer interface for long term logging of energy usage in town
  buildings
 
  Charlie had e-mailed his option that this item, available at the Energy Emporium, may be helpful.  Kim will consider possibly offering one as a rental unit.
 
 High speed rail in the north east corridor running through our area
 
  This is an item about which those present at the meeting did not have information.  There was speculation on where and the length that  it might run.
 
 Study of Central Air Conditioning at the Police Station
 
  Charlie had written that he will confer with Chief Crate as a method to off set
  energy use.
 
 House Bill 189 AN ACT enabling municipalities to establish energy commissions
 
  It passed the NH House and is now presumed to be in committee in the Senate.
 
 Committee Membership
 
  As of May 1, 2009  Wendell will be reinstated as a full committee member.  Carol moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen the appointment of Kim Quirk as an alternate member of the Energy Committee.  The motion passed unanimously. VII.  Other Items
 Next Meeting May 26, 2009 5 PM Whitney Hall Conference Room
VIII. Adjournment
 The meting was adjourned at 7:25 PM
 
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Lammert, Secretary May 2, 2009; revised 5/14/’09, 5/27/’09
 
 
 

  
 
Attachments: (Information on Kill-a-Watt Electric Usage Monitor and Smart Strip Surge Protector available at the Enfield Library) 
 
1. )  Kill-a-Watt Electric Usage Monitor, Manufactured by P3 International
The device is intended to measure the power and energy usage of any appliance that you can plug into a wall outlet.  There is a 2 ” LCD screen and five buttons.  The buttons are marked from left to right: Volt, Amp (current), Watt/VA (Watts or Vrms Arms) Hz/PF (Frequency or Power factor) and KWH/Hour (Kilo Watt hours or hours).
To begin using the Kill-a-Watt, simply plug it into a wall socket and then insert the plug of any electrical device that you wish to monitor.  The LCD display will show all meter readings for each of the buttons; buttons 3 - 5 each toggle between two functions.  Product literature and a manual are available at http://www.p3international.com/products/specail/P4400/P4400-CE.html
 
For most applications, the following functions are used to measure most household appliances, fixtures and electronic devices:
 Volts (the amount of push)
 Amps (the rate at which electricity flows)
 Watts (the amount of power a device uses in performing its function)
 KWH (total energy, power times hours)
  This is the money button!  It has two functions.  Press the key once to show the cumulative energy consumption since power was applied to the unit.  Press the button again to display the cumulative time since power was applied to the unit.
  Consumption will be displayed in kilowatt-hours.  Time will be displayed as hours: minutes.
 
Test Example: plug a TV into the Kill-a-Watt meter and see how much power is being used.  Let’s say you read about 100 Watts.  Over the course of 2 hours, that would be 200 Watt-hours.  One Kilowatt is equal to 1000 watts, so 200 Watt-hours is the same as 0.20kWatt-hours (KWH).  After one hour of use, check the KWH reading on the meter to see how much energy your TV has used.
Next, check your electric bill to determine how much you pay per KWH.  For this example, let’s say you are currently paying $0.10 (10 cents) per KWH.  Here are the cost breakdowns for a family who has the TV on for about two hours every day:
 
Duration kWh(total power) Cost
1 day (2 hours) 0.2 (2h x 0.1 kW) $0.02 (0.2 x $0.10)
1 week (14 hours) 1.4 (14h x 0.1kW) $0.14
1 month (60 hours) 6.0 (60h x 0.1kW) $0.60
1 year (730 hours) 73.0 (730h x 0.1kW) $7.30
 

You may want to check how much your TV is drawing even when it’s off.  (Any TV or electronic device with a remote is drawing current while it waits for the remote to switch it on).  This is called a “phantom load.”
 
2.)  Smart Strip Surge Protector with Energy Savings Features, Model LCG 3 by BITS Limited, Northport, NY
This Smart Trip is a surge protector that save energy by shutting off power to switched outlets when a device plugged into the control outlet is turned off.  For example, computer peripherals such as monitors, printers scanners plugged into the switched outlets will simultaneously turn off when the computer, plugged into the control outlet , is turned off.  Also, The Smart Strip can be used to shut off VCR’s, DVD players, and audio components when your TV is shut off.
SAVES TIME: Shut down you computer and the Smart Strip will automatically shut down your peripherals
SAVES ENERGY: The Smart Strip prevents your peripherals from drawing any idle current when not in use
SAVES MONEY: The Smart Strip can save up to 73% of the energy you computer uses.
HELPS THE ENVIRONMENT: Reducing the energy wasted in your home reduces greenhouse gases.
 
THE ON/OFF SWITCH: the lighted switch is also a 15 amp circuit breaker.  IT is normally left on to allow the Smart Strip to control everything.  If is does not light, reset the power switch or try a different outlet.
THE SWITCHED OUTLETS INDICATOR: only lit when a device is plugged into the control outlet
THE GROUND AND SURGE INDICATOR: when lit, it indicates your equipment is being properly protected.  (If not lit, check to be sure the Smart Strip is plugged into a working three-pronged receptacle).
THE CONTROL OUTLET: Plug your computer or TV into this outlet.  When your device plugged into this outlet is turned on or off, the devices plugged into the AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHED OUTLETS will turn on and off.
AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHED OUTLETS; All devices plugged into these outlets will turn on and off with the device plugged into the CONTROL OUTLET.  When the Control device is off, they will not draw any power.
 
THE CONSTANT HOT OUTLETS: These outlets remain on and are not switched on or off by the CONTROL OUTLET.
 
More information is available at http://bitsltd.net/ConsumerProducts/tour1/html
 The Model LCG and other models are available for review and purchase at http://catalog.bitsltd.us’power_strips/
Check the Web for other sources and the best pricing.
 

Why CFL?

image

Why Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.   More information is available on the Energy Star website. 

We recycle FLUORESCENT LAMP TUBES — all sizes and shapes.  Store and package your bulbs in the original cardboard box, if possible. Broken or cracked bulbs are not recyclable!More information is available in the Solid Waste & Recycling Program Guide.

Energy Usage

  Gallons        Location             $                   LB Co2          Tons Co2  
1170.9         Center Fire           $2,615.88      26,209.43        13.10
  878.2         Community Bldg  $1,988.74      19,657.63          9.83
1125.2         Depot Street        $2,479.43       25,186.48        12.59
2303.2         DPW                   $5,429.36       51,554.83        25.78
  829.6         PD                      $1,837.79       18,569.77          9.28
1196.17       Shedd Street        $2,470.13      26,775.07         13.39
1497.8         Union St. Station   $3,316.33      33,526.76         16.76
2825.3         Whitney Hall          $6,479.90      63,241.52         31.62
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11826.37 gallons                    $26,617.55      264,721 lb. Co2  132.36 tons Co2

Recycling

The Town of Enfield provides solid waste services for Enfield residences via curbside pick-up of household waste, a drop-off  service for recyclables, household waste and automotive waste, i.e. used oil & filters, at the Enfield Transfer Station and Recycling Center, seasonal yard waste disposal at the Enfield Public Works Facility and, in cooperation with regional facilities, collection of hazardous wastes, demolition debris, and other items.

FLUORESCENT LAMP TUBES — all sizes and shapes.  Store and package your bulbs in the original cardboard box, if possible. Broken or cracked bulbs are not recyclable!

Change your lights, and change your world!

EEC encourages residents to switch bulbs to save energy, money and the environment.

Latest data for atmospheric CO2

Additional Energy Resources

The EEC has put together a collection of regional resources on energy consumption and reduction.

Join me at www.350.org

Enfield Public Library

 The Enfield Public Library building project includes a proposed geothermal heating system.

Enfield Shaker Village

Enfield Shaker Museum. Building a sustainable community.

A N.H. Main Street Community


The Enfield Village Association's Main Street program is dedicated to revitalizing Enfield's historic Main Street neighborhood. Winding for a pleasant mile between Routes 4 & 4A, Enfield's Main Street is rich with historic buildings, beautiful natural resources, and opportunities for hometown businesses.