What is an Energy Advisory Committee?
Locally, a number of town energy committees have formed an expanding network of concerned citizens and elected officials who are working to cut carbon emissions and save money for their towns. An example is the Kittery Energy Advisory Committee (KEAC), an approved Town Council advisory committee to the Town Manager of Kittery, Maine. It is charged with advising the Town Manager and Council on energy programs, projects, and policies, which through conservation and alternative energy use, work to achieving to reduce Kittery’s reliance on fossil fuels. KEAC, an outgrowth of a smaller Town Council energy committee, allows wider community involvement and reflects growing community interest in energy conservation issues. Furthermore, the KEAC hopes to fortify the partnership that has begun with Town Departments.
The Committee's Goals and Objectives
The KEAC’s overarching goal is to reduce energy consumption and develop more sustainable energy practices in the Town of Kittery. This is achieved through the development and recommending of alternative energy and conservation guidelines, policies, programs, and projects that will assist the Town of Kittery in developing sustainable practices and reducing energy consumption in accordance with the US. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, adopted by the Town Council on January 28, 2008, other State and Federal energy programs, and related initiatives.
Committee Governance
The KEAC consists of community members, committed to the goals of energy conservation and sustainability and an Executive Sub-Committee. Drawn from the larger group, the Executive Sub-Committee includes 5 to 6 members, designated by the town manager and a Town Council liaison. The Executive Sub-Committee reports the larger committee’s findings and recommendations to the Town Manager, who in turn periodically reports on KEAC’s efforts to the Town Council for their deliberation. Further, the Executive Sub-Committee annually prepares a work plan for the Town Council, which includes action steps and associated costs to achieve committee goals.
Budgeting
Development of an Annual Fiscal Year Work Plan and Budget: The KEAC aims to prepare a work plan each year, which will be presented by the Executive Sub-Committee to the Town Manager and then to the Town Council at the Council’s first meeting in February. The work plan or its components and the associated costs are then evaluated for inclusion in the upcoming year’s town budget.
Committee Membership
To seek the broadest input from Kittery citizens, KEAC membership KEAC is open. Terms for community members are for one year, renewable annually; terms for executive sub-committee members are two years and also renewable. Prospective members must complete an application, provide contact information and areas of interest and expertise. Members must attend a minimum 3 KEAC meetings during the year to remain active members. Members who do not meet this minimum may not be considered for another term by the Town Manager with counsel from the Executive Sub-Committee. Annual renewal of membership is required through filing a membership renewal application with the Town Manager’s Office. Membership enrollment will be filed and updated with the Town Clerk on a quarterly basis.
Accomplishments
Kittery has invested in wind power, authorizing a $185,000 project to erect a 50-kilowatt wind turbine. Kittery received a $50,000 grant from the Maine Public Utilities Commission to help fund the project. The turbine is expected to produce between 70,000 and 80,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is more than enough to power the town’s transfer station. Any extra electricity generated will be credited to the nearby Shapleigh School. There will also be an educational kiosk in the school, enabling middle school students to see what the turbine is doing.
Advice For Communities Interested in Establishing a Revolving Trust Fund: In its first six months, the KEAC had many successes, but momentum has slowed at times and participation subsequently slipped. Thus, keeping participation high and consistent is very important.
Links and Downloads
Contact
For more information, contact:
Sarah Brown
Town of Kittery
200 Rogers Rd.
Kittery, Maine 03904
Phone: (207) 439-0452
Fax: (207) 439-6806
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