MELROSE ENERGY COMMISSION                    www.melroseenergy.org                    info@melroseenergy.org                    781-662-2616
Helping Melrose and its citizens save energy
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Solar panels at Melrose Middle School
The Melrose Energy Commission worked with city officials to obtain
a $340,000 Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant for a 30-
kilowatt photovoltaic panel at the school. Click here to find out how
much electricity is being generated by these panels.


Energy audit of city buildings
In coordination with the School Department and Department of
Public Works, the MEC has initiated an inventory of energy
consumption in city buildings. The objective of this project is to
establish baseline levels which can be used in developing energy-
efficiency opportunities.

In conjunction with this effort, the MEC has arranged for an
accelerated scheduling of energy audits for city buildings by
National Grid. The Commission is also investigating other energy
audit opportunities, including grants from the state and energy
performance contracting.


Accruing state funds for renewable energy projects
By promoting the state’s Clean Energy Choice program, the
Commission enlisted more than 100 Melrose households to
contribute monthly payments (through their utility bills) in support of
renewable energy.  These contributions have earned Melrose more
than$10,000 in matching state funds that will further promote
renewable energy through equipment (such as photovoltaic panels),
consumer education and building analysis.


Energy education in Melrose schools
Using funds from the Clean Energy Choice matching grant, two
Melrose Middle School teachers – Nancy Naslas and Eric DiAntonio
– were able to attend July’s National Energy Education Development
(NEED) curriculum training seminar in Washington, D.C. The
teachers reported back to the MEC to explain how they are
incorporating the lessons from the training into their existing
curricula.

In addition, the Melrose Energy Commission helped secure $500
from KeySpan Energy to fund the cost of NEED curriculum materials
for the public schools.
Accomplishments        Bylaws        MEC Fact Sheet        MEC in the news                
MEC accomplishments
Energy Challenge and Mayors' Climate Agreement
Identifying the EPA’s Community Energy Challenge and U.S.
Mayors' Climate Agreement as excellent opportunities for energy
savings in city buildings, the MEC worked with Mayor Dolan to
enlist Melrose in these programs.

Through these programs, Melrose and other New England cities
are benchmarking the energy usage of city and school buildings,
and then committing to an energy reduction of at least 10 percent.


Melrose Energy Fair
The MEC organizes and manages the annual Melrose Energy
Fair. The most recent event was held Nov. 15, 2009, at Memorial
Hall. This event is designed to create public awareness about
opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy
audits and financial assistance for low-income families.

First held in December 2005, the fair provides hands-on
demonstrations and information for consumers. Exhibitors
include local retailers, contractors and utility representatives.


Purchase of city streetlights
After conducting an extensive economic analysis of Melrose’s
streetlights, the MEC recommended to city officials that the
streetlights be purchased directly from National Grid. The
purchase is expected to be closed in early 2008. By purchasing –
rather than leasing – these lights, Melrose stands to realize an
annual net savings of about $100,000.

Consumer education
The MEC regularly contributes stories to the Melrose Free Press
and Melrose Weekly News about energy-saving opportunities for
consumers. Through these media outlets, the Commission also
keeps Melrose residents informed about energy-efficiency
projects undertaken by the city.

In addition, the MEC offers presentations about energy efficiency
at local venues, such as the Melrose Public Library and Milano
Senior Center.

The MEC has also facilitated free public access to energy-
savings documents at City Hall.