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Energy Committee
Scroll down to "Current Projects" to read about Municipal Energy Aggregation and the Climate Leader Community designation.
The Ashfield Energy Committee, formerly known as the Green Communities Committee, is charged by the Select Board with helping the Town promote and implement policies, programs and projects to foster energy conservation, renewable energy generation, sustainability planning and waste reduction for municipal buildings, infrastructure and equipment and for residences and businesses; and helping the Town secure the assistance and funding necessary to achieve our goals toward energy resiliency.
| Name | Title | Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra Osterman | Chair | Appointed annually | |
| Brian Clark | Member | Appointed annually | |
| Mary Quigley | Member | Appointed annually | |
| Ellen Leue | Member | Appointed Annually | |
| David Chandler | Member | Appointed Annually | |
| Hart Caparulo | Member | Appointed Annually |
Meetings
The committee meets monthly, in person and via zoom. Check the town's calendar on the homepage.
Minutes & Agendas
Current and past minutes and agendas are found on the Committee's "Minutes & Agenda" online folder.
Current Projects 2025
Climate Leader Community Designation
- Achieved certification from MA Department of Energy Resources as a Climate Leader Community (April 2025)
- Proposed Ashfield WWTP Solar Design
- Proposed Ashfield Highway Garage Solar Design
Municipal Energy Aggregation
- Letter to Ashfield residents (January 2025)
- Colonial Power Group Ashfield site
- PSA with detailed information
- FAQ document
- Opt-out mailing sent to Ashfield residents
- Postcard sent to Ashfield residents already enrolled with a third-party supplier
- Example of what an Eversource bill will look like when on the aggregation
- Opt-in instructions (for residents who are already using a competitive supplier and want to join the aggregation)
Projects 2024
Climate Leader Community Designation
- Passed 3 resolutions at ATM
- Creation of Decarbonization Roadmap May-July 2024
- Formal application for Climate Leader Designation through DOER July 2024
- Read info about the ATM Articles
- ATM Warrant & Summary of Votes
Residential Solar Program
- Kickoff 5/11 2-4pm Belding Library
- For more information and to sign up on email list email solar@ashfield.org
Municipal Solar Working Group
- Volunteer group working on municipal solar opportunities for the town- site assessment, grant funding, etc.
Farmers Market Outreach
Energy Committee will have a monthly booth at farmers market to offer information, resources, and support for residents re transition to renewable energy.
Projects 2023
Community Solar Action Plan
- Community Solar Action Plan for Ashfield
- Read below for more information on the Solar Planning project
Greenhouse Gas Inventory with Bentley University
The Energy Committee is partnering with Bentley University. Three Bentley students are conducting a greenhouse gas inventory for the town which can be used as a baseline and to help prioritize future efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. This project will be completed in May 2023.
Resources
Ashfield's Solarize Campaign - General Info
Ashfield's Solarize Campaign - Financial Incentives
Residential Energy Code Training
Energy Code Training & Technical Support
Energy Saver Home Loan Program
Stretch Energy and Municipal Opt-In Specialized Building Code FAQ
MassSave - FREE home energy assessments, incentives and zero-interest loans for energy efficiency updates and purchases of high efficiency equipment
Umass Clean Energy Extension - Excellent resources for homeowners on renewable energy
Mass Clean Energy Center - Information on clean heating & cooling, woodstove change-outs, solar energy