HomeMy WebLinkAboutLight Comm. 10/23/2017Mansfield Municipal Electric DepartRECEIVED
Executive Session Minutes of Light Commissioners�Mee`fing T1s OFFICE
October 23, 2017 2818 MAY —I A 11: 05
Present: Chairman Jess Aptowitz, Vice Chairman Frank Del!44h0FIr—[e* Steve
Schoonveld, Commissioner Michael Trowbridge, Director Josepl'yi'$6)Rdi(&{ Il'iiiisncial
Assistant Jacqueline Lee
The executive session was called to order at 7:00 PM.
Director Sollecito informed the Board that MMWEC has an opportunity they would like to
propose to MMED. It is the Berkshire Wind Project which represents their Phase 2. Director
Sollecito stated that 4.5 to 6.5 cents per kilowatt hour is what MMED usually pays for power
and this proposal is estimated to be 4 to 6 cents above that cost. He explained that the
difference in range is based upon who has control over keeping or selling their RECs
(renewable energy credits). He said that the RECs are for your green status and if you sell
them you lose your green status. MMED is in a great position right now with approximately
54% of their power portfolio in `Non -0O2 green house gas emissions' due to its ownership
interest in Seabrook Nuclear plant. There is a difference of opinion as to whether or not this
interest is considered environmentally green. With the Berkshire Wind Project there is an
added cost but MMWEC does feel the need for this project and would like to know if MMED
has an interest.
Director Sollecito noted that this potential project is not driven by economics or financial
benefits but is more of a policy question. He said that the Board will always need to decide
how much money they want to spend in order to have a green portfolio. He pointed out that
54% of MMED's portfolio is green and since the overall goal has been estimated to be 50%
by 2040, MMED is already there. He told the Board that the IOU's have already been
funding these types of projects. If MMED was to go forward with this MMWEC project, it
would mean an additional .25 to .35 cents on every MMED customer's bill. He also pointed
out that this would be I% of MMED's power supply and that MMWEC would manage it so
MMED wouldn't have to do it.
Director Sollecito said he did not need a formal vote this evening but would have to let Ron
DeCurzio from MMWEC know informally if there is a possible interest in this project. There
was some discussion among the Board which resulted in a split opinion in pursuing this
particular project. At that time, Chairman Aptowitz pointed out that a fifth Light
Commissioner will soon be on board after the special election in November. It was decided to
have Director Sollecito tell Mr. DeCurzio that there may be an interest but it's not definite.
Director Sollecito also pointed out there will probably be a Berkshire 3 offered sometime next
year.
Motion: To approve the minutes from the June 5, 2017 Light Commissioners executive
session
(Delvecchio/Trowbridge) Passes 4/0
Roll call vote: Trowbridge -yes; Delvecchio-yes; Schoonveld-yes and Aptowitz-yes
Motion: To adjourn at 7:45pm
(Delvecchio/Trowbridge)
Roll Call Vote: Trowbridge -yes; Delvecchio-yes; Schoonveld-yes; Aptowitz -yes
Respectfully submitted: Jacqueline Lee
Signature of Cleric
2
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Date of Approval