Sustainable Energy Commission: Updates On EVs And Solar
Newtown continues to make major strides towards a more sustainable energy economy, according to the members of the Sustainable Energy Commission.
Kathy Quinn, the commission’s chair, shared an update at the October 19 meeting on the ongoing SmartPower residential storage program, which held a public informational video session earlier in the week. The program, which offers educational resources for homeowners looking to make the move to solar power, is intended to make residents aware of the financial incentives in place to help ease their transition.
In other news, Edmond Town Hall will be equipped with EV charging stations this coming winter. Public Works Director Fred Hurley confirmed that the rebate application for these stations has been processed, and the stations themselves are currently en route to their new home.
Electric vehicle owners can look forward to utilizing these stations sometime in January, according to Hurley.
Finally, commission members are optimistic as the town embarks on four significant solar projects. These installations — set for the Police Department, Head O’Meadow Elementary, the Municipal Center, and the Waste Water Treatment Plant — would significantly expand the town’s sustainable energy production.
The successful deployment of these solar facilities would see an important benchmark reached. Hurley reminded the commission that with these projects completed, the amount of renewable energy produced by Newtown’s municipal government would finally be equivalent to the amount of energy that it expends.
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Reporter Owen Tanzer can be reached at owen@thebee.com.