Bristol's Own Energy Plan

At last Wednesday evenings Town Council meeting, Ken Marshall brought up an idea, some of which had been discussed early on in the conversation about Bristol and sustainable energy projects:
To use Minturn Farm, one of Bristol's highest points, and Bristol's current Transfer Station, as a place to "power up Bristol". Before he outlined his ideas, he read the following text from the most recent Providence Business News dated January 18-24, 2010 about available grant money to municipalities for energy projects.

"Grants Designed to Promote Energy Projects

PBN: PVD - The RI Office of Energy Resources announced that residents, businesses and municipalities may apply for money to install renewable
energy systems.

The office said that the $8.4M in grants are designed to help pay for up
to 25 percent of the upfront costs of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and hydro installations, as well as "any other proven and acceptable
renewable energy programs". The grants come from the federal stimulus passed last year.

Rhode Island residents may apply for up to $10K. Businesses may apply
for up to a total of $500K for projects.Municipalities and institutions
that serve or house 1000 or more persons may apply for a maximum of
$750K for projects."

Below is a quick summary written by Ken Marshall of the plan and scope. A business plan is in the works and financial details have to be worked out before the grant deadline at the end of January. The project would involve Bristol's Sewer Dept., the DPW, the Dept. of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Community Development. Alteris Renewables and Sustainable Global Energies were also mentioned. Keith Stokes might be involved in his new position as RIEDC chair.

Here is the outline of the plan as emailed to me by Ken Marshall:

"Install photovoltaic panels on roof of compost building 50 year life expectancy = $
Install municipal grade wind turbine 25 year life expectancy = $
Install methane/compost burning generator (Kelly Space) = $
Add all energies together to offset utility costs at the Compost facility and extra alternative energy production is credited thru net metering law to offset electric costs at sewer station and other municipal accounts.
Money saved and money generated can create a Town energy endowment account to utilize now and into the future for more projects both public and private to help Bristol and Rhode Island become a more attractive environment to live and do business in.
That's my vision for Bristol and Rhode Island and we are sticking to it."

We welcome your comments.