The Town of Concord's Light Board meeting on November 15, 2024, highlighted significant advancements in clean energy initiatives and community engagement efforts. A key focus was the ongoing development of a town-wide project utilizing old gas mains to distribute warm water, which could enhance energy efficiency across the community.

The board discussed the recent passage of a clean energy act by the state senate, which is now moving to the house. This legislation is expected to have substantial implications for local transmission projects and the overall energy landscape in Concord. Board members expressed optimism about the act's potential to improve grid reliability and support economic development.

In addition to legislative updates, the board announced plans for a sustainability roundtable scheduled for December 11, coinciding with the next Light Board meeting. This event aims to showcase the town's achievements related to its climate action plan and discuss future initiatives, including new contracts for energy efficiency projects that will incentivize vendors based on their performance in reducing energy consumption.

The meeting also covered the selection of a contractor for the battery storage project at the middle school, with the Texas-based company Fractal chosen for its expertise in energy storage solutions. The board emphasized the importance of safety in the project, particularly in coordinating with local fire officials to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Progress was reported on the installation of smart meters, with over 7,000 residential and 370 commercial meters now in place. The board anticipates completing the installation by early February 2025, despite some challenges related to scheduling with commercial clients.

Additionally, the completion of Level 3 electric vehicle chargers at the ride-out location was celebrated, with plans to upgrade one of the connectors to meet current standards. The board is also collaborating with Minuteman Arc, which is planning to electrify its fleet of vehicles, highlighting the town's commitment to supporting local organizations in their transition to cleaner energy sources.

Overall, the meeting underscored Concord's proactive approach to sustainability and energy efficiency, with ongoing projects and community engagement efforts aimed at fostering a greener future for residents.