Bolton Energy Committee Newsletter
Issue 1 — April 2008
Greetings from the Bolton Energy Committee (BEC), a volunteer committee appointed by the Bolton Selectmen in 2007. Through this and future newsletters, we will provide you with information about ways Bolton is addressing its municipal energy use and tools you can use to minimize energy use at your own home.
The BEC was formed with two primary goals:
* To reduce town energy use and increase town reliance on clean energy sources
* To provide residents with information about how to increase energy efficiency and reliance on clean renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses
Past and current Bolton Energy
Committee activities include:
* Helping other Town Committees consider integrating renewable energy technologies into new development projects such as the library and public safety building
* Qualified the town for free electricity and heating audits for town buildings; Pursuing grants to help town implement energy efficiency measures recommended by audits.
* Hosted Multi-Town Energy event and Climate Action presentation for Bolton Residents
* Hosted the Clean Energy Pavilion at the 2007 Bolton Fair (we’ll be back again in 2008 with more solar s’mores!)
How you can join our community-wide clean energy effort:
1. All residents of Bolton can receive a free household electricity audit from MassSave (1-800-632-8300) and receive free professional advice re: reducing household energy use.
2. The MassSave website (www.masssave.com) also provides information about rebates for purchases of Energy Star appliances, windows, etc. In addition, www.dsireusa.org provides information regarding state tax credits available for efficiency improvements.
 3. You can purchase renewable energy (wind, solar, landfill gas, etc) through your National Grid electric bill for a tax deductible premium of $6 to $12 per month. Every dollar paid to renewable energy suppliers for new sources is matched by the state’s Clean Energy Choice program for local Bolton renewable energy projects. So far Bolton has earned over $10,000 in grant money from MTC and the Selectmen will be deciding soon on the best allocation of these
Clean Energy Choice funds. Bolton can earn an extra $50 per participating household if we get 3 more households to sign up by April 30, 2008 deadline. Please visit www.CleanEnergyChoice.org to enroll.
4. Take the Pledge! It is time to slim down --lose 5,000 lbs. of your household's CO2 emissions in just one year and 25% of your carbon "fat" over the next five years! On May 4, 2008, from 6 to 8pm in Davis Hall, Lynda King and the BEC are hosting a meeting to introduce residents to the ‘Low Carbon Diet’—a nationally-recognized, step by step guide to reducing household energy use and carbon emissions. It's easier than you think to adopt practices that reduce CO2 emissions and help the planet, while saving you money at the same time! Copies of the Low Carbon Diet workbook are available for loan from the Bolton Library Clean Energy Center, at the LCD Introductory meeting on May 4th, or visit
 5. Remember, when you use Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) they require 75% less energy than standard bulbs and last around 10 times longer. In addition, they’ll save you $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's life. Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, they should be disposed of properly. The BEC is in the process of establishing a CFL recycling center for Bolton residents at the Transfer Station. Starting this summer, CFLs can be
dropped off for recycling.
6. Thanks to Harold Brown, the Bolton DPW wants to burn your used motor oil, hydraulic fluid and automatic transmission fluid (not brake fluid) in their clean burn furnace to heat the Town Garage. Please bring any or all of these to the DPW garage at 12 Forbush Mill Road, M-F 8:00am – 3:00pm for reuse and help save Bolton approximately $9,000/year in heating bills.
Thank you for your time!
Stay informed about Bolton energy issues. Visit us online. Go to www.townofbolton.com and find us under the “Boards & Committees.”
We meet the second Monday of each month in Town Hall and welcome all to join us.
Bolton Energy Committee Members:
John Balco
Paula Berg
Martha Broad
Herb Cabral
Bill Darden
Chinloo Lama
Frank Lazgin
Michael Gorr
Laura Kischitz
Joel Lindsay
Daphne Monie
Beth McGilvray
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