Hamilton and Wenham Receive Municipal Energy Technical Assistance Grants

Hamilton and Wenham are among the 37 Massachusetts communities who will share grant money distributed to help those communities develop clean energy projects.

The Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) grants announced recently by the state Department of Energy totaled $455,000. Of that, each of the 37 communities will receive $12,500.

According to his update on the town website, Wenham Town Administrator Peter Lombardi told selectmen at their Sept. 1 meeting that the funds would be used to “conduct an engineering study into the potential conversion of the heating system at the Iron Rail property.”

“This project will include evaluating the existing steam boiler system, designing a more efficient hot water heating system, performing an economic analysis of projected cost/energy savings, and potentially preparing construction documents,” he continued in his update.

In Hamilton, the grant money will allow the town to investigate its options for solar photo voltaic energy, according to Town Manager Michael Lombardo.

“The grant covers the cost for an ’owners agent’ to assist the Town in navigating the solar PV [photo voltaic] world…understanding the various constructs and what might be best for the Town, structuring the RFP [request for proposals], reviewing the bids, developing contract with a vendor etc.,” Lombardo told Patch in an email.

DOER’s Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) grants are awarded to Massachusetts municipalities, regional school districts, and water/wastewater districts. META grants fund the services of expert consultants and contractors to aid in the negotiation and management of projects, or the performance of studies to support the development of energy projects. The grants are funded through proceeds from Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

“Many cities and towns across the state have pursued energy efficiencies and cost savings with great success,” said State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, who represents Hamilton and Wenham. “The partnerships between local government officials, lawmakers and the Baker-Polito administration will directly help communities get results that will benefit us all for many years to come. Awarded towns, like Hamilton and Wenham, have made a focused effort to lead the way in saving money and energy.”