The Strafford County Commissioners Meeting held on August 28, 2025, focused on energy efficiency initiatives and potential cost-saving measures for county facilities. Key discussions revolved around the analysis of energy consumption and the feasibility of on-site energy generation, particularly for the courthouse and other county buildings.

Commissioners engaged with representatives from Eversource and Unitil, who outlined various energy-saving opportunities, including retro commissioning of existing systems and the installation of energy-efficient technologies. The discussions highlighted the importance of conducting economic analyses to determine the viability of implementing these measures, especially regarding the potential for generating electricity on-site.

One significant point raised was the need for pre-approval of incentives from utility companies before purchasing new equipment. This process is crucial to ensure that the county can benefit from available financial incentives, which are funded through a charge on electric and gas bills. The representatives emphasized that the current energy efficiency programs are stable and supported by state legislation, ensuring their continuation despite political changes.

The meeting also touched on specific projects, such as optimizing kitchen ventilation systems and upgrading heating systems in various county facilities. The representatives noted that while some projects may have low payback periods, others would require more extensive analysis to assess their economic feasibility.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to exploring energy efficiency options that could lead to significant cost savings. The next steps involve further analysis and discussions with engineering firms to develop a clear plan for implementing these energy-saving measures across county facilities.