Salisbury Energy Committee recommends Janet Long as alternate; hears solar feasibility and audit updates

Vice Chair Lorna Carlisle opened the Salisbury Energy Committee meeting at 6:00 p.m. June 8 and the committee approved the June 10, 2026 draft minutes on a motion by Joe Schmidl, seconded by Carlisle.

The committee was told energy audits for all town buildings were conducted on June 11; members had not received the final report. Joe Schmidl said a second audit is being scheduled and is expected in August. The committee identified several potential upgrades, including the furnace at Town Hall and library lighting; Recording Secretary Samantha Wasil said the library lights were updated to LEDs in the past week.

Carlisle said she will continue discussions with Sarah Brock of Clean Energy NH about the organization’s heat-pump accelerator programs. Carlisle also reported that Revision reviewed the Safety Complex and Highway Building properties and concluded both could be good candidates for rooftop or ground-mounted solar. According to the Revision representative, three-phase power would likely not be required for a solar array at the Highway property; Revision will put the committee in touch with a municipal representative to move feasibility work forward.

The committee discussed how to fund energy projects. Carlisle asked Selectman Ex-Officio David Hostetler how the committee would recommend creating a Capital Reserve Fund for energy projects; Hostetler said he was unsure. Joe Schmidl noted that capital planning is handled through the town’s Capital Improvements Program and the Planning Board. Hostetler also asked about T-Mobile Hometown grants; Carlisle said Chair Matt Tilley had mentioned that grant at the prior meeting and would be the contact for details.

Members discussed expected returns from solar. Hostetler said his personal array had a payback period of less than 10 years. Janet Long said she receives credit when she produces more electricity than she consumes. Schmidl noted that state net-metering laws have changed and that Unitil, the town’s service provider, would be better positioned to explain what the town could receive; the committee did not specify the law changes.

Janet Long told the committee she is interested in serving as an Alternate member. Joe Schmidl moved to recommend Janet Long as an Alternate Energy Committee member to the Selectboard; Robert Irving seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. The committee scheduled its next meeting for Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. upstairs in Academy Hall. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

The committee’s next steps include receiving the final audit report, scheduling the second audit, and following up with Revision and Clean Energy NH on feasibility and grant opportunities.