In the News: GMO food labeling law, Tri-County kids group, cub scouting registration, Solar Challenge extended

Before eating an ear of sweet corn on the cob or opening a package of cookies from the grocery store, do you want to know if it contains genetically modified organisms? 

With science now allowing for crops to be genetically manipulated to better tolerate herbicides and produce their own insecticides, a growing group of advocates and legislators want to let consumers know if there are GMOs in their food. 

The group Citizens for GMO Labeling is gearing up for a big hearing at the Statehouse next Tuesday on a bill that 75 percent of the Legislature is co-sponsoring.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150917086/1994/NEWS

The Tri-County Regional Children’s Center, 147 Pond St., seeks to fill openings in its weekly toddler playgroup. 

The Toddler Program is open to children who are between 18 months and 30 months by Oct. 1. 

Sessions are held on Mondays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Parents or caregivers are required to stay during the toddler session. The cost of the Toddler Program is $8 per week.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150916839/1994/NEWS

Franklin Cub Scouts are now accepting registration for the 2015-2016 school year. Cub Scouts is for boys grades 1-5. 

A registration event to learn more about scouting and join in on some scouting activities is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2-4 p.m., at the King Street baseball field in Franklin. 

At 2 p.m. there will be a live entertainment event.

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150915/NEWS/150917474/1994/NEWS

Officials announced this week that the Franklin Solar Challenge had been extended for a month to encourage as many residents as possible to sign up for solar systems. 

The challenge's original deadline was Tuesday, but it has been extended until Oct. 15. 

Town Councilor Brett Feldman, who coordinates the challenge, said he felt it was appropriate to extend the program given the interest. 

"We still have people thinking over existing proposals, so we wanted to give them more time," he said. "Also, when you're near a deadline, you start to get new interest, so we wanted to accommodate that."

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150916/NEWS/150916685/1994/NEWS

Franklin Solar Challenge: Program Extension!

Program Extended! You now have until Oct. 15th to receive the lowest tiered pricing in the Franklin Solar Challenge 47 Franklin residents are already saving approximately $2,350* off of the cost of their system at Tier 5 pricing. That means we have already contracted 381 kW. Let's keep it going and make it to Tier 6 (400 kW) Only 19 kW to go! *based on an average 5 kW system SolarFlair will donate a 5 kW system in Franklin when we reach Tier 6! Take advantage of tiered pricing while you still can! If you have already signed a contract remind your friends and neighbors of the deadline.  If you've already had a site assessment and are still considering solar energy, please contact your sales representative to get your questions answered and a contract signed by October 15! Residents in Franklin are already taking advantage and saving on prices 25-35% below market value! click here to sign up for a FREE site assessment SolarFlair Energy Inc 190 Pleasant Street Ashland, Massachusetts 01721 franklinsolar@solarflair.com 508-293-4293

Forward this email SolarFlair Energy Inc | 190 Pleasant Street | Ashland | MA | 01721

In the News: Medway considering joining SAFE, Solar Challenge coming to an end

The Board of Health, which currently has a member belonging to SAFE Community Coalition, hopes to solicit community members to join the coalition, which seeks to solve the statewide heroin epidemic. 

At Monday’s meeting, Board of Health member Jordan Warnick said Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, asked him to be on the Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Community Coalition to “help bring Medway into it.” 

“We’re trying to forge a relationship with Franklin,” Warnick said. “Alone, we can’t do it.”

Continue reading about Eco Embrace here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150810/NEWS/150819440/1994/NEWS

Local officials are encouraging town residents to participate in the Franklin Solar Challenge before the program's Sept. 15 deadline. 

Town Councilor Brett Feldman, who coordinates the challenge, said it was based on the state Clean Energy Center's Solarize Massachusetts program, which offers increasing discounts on solar panels as more and more townspeople use them. 

"It's based off that, but we did our own to maintain flexibility," he said, noting that such flexibility allowed the town to run its program over a longer time frame. "It started a year ago, and it will end in September."

Franklin Solar Challenge

Continue reading about Eco Embrace here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150811/NEWS/150819510/1994/NEWS

Franklin Solar Challenge: the last Open House is scheduled for July 18th 11AM-3PM

Now is the time to go solar!

The Franklin Solar Challenge is in Tier 5 pricing!

SolarFlair Energy, the selected installer for the Franklin Solar Challenge, will be holding the last open house this Saturday. Food and soft drinks will be provided, with SolarFlair representatives on hand to answer your questions. 

The Open House is scheduled for July 18th 11AM-3PM.

• Prewitt Residence 
• 17 Sunset Rd. 
• Franklin, MA

Franklin Solar Challenge

"the school will receive solar credits"

Tri-County is waiting until students return in the fall before celebrating the completion of a new solar farm that will provide 85 percent of its electricity. 

Sometime after classes resume in September, the school will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to christen its 1.3-megawatt solar farm. Nearly finished, the solar array is set to save the school about $1.8 million on energy costs over the next 20 years and will serve as a four-acre lab, allowing students to study the technology behind solar power. 

“Since this is an area of study for our engineering technology students, we decided to hold off until they are back in school so that they can learn more about the solar array during the ceremony,” said Tri-county spokeswoman Jessica Silva.

Tri-County website header

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150716/NEWS/150717172/1994/NEWS

Franklin Solar Challenge hits Tier 5 pricing! (the lowest discounts available)

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Dear Franklin Resident,   Great news!  The Franklin Solar Challenge has officially hit Tier 5 pricing, the lowest pricing available in the program. SolarFlair Energy, the selected installer for the Franklin Solar Challenge, is offering  discounted solar panels  to Franklin residences and businesses for a limited time. Homes that have minimal tree shading will have a return on investment in just 5 years! We also offer $0 money down options, where you pay nothing upfront and lock in your electric rate for 20 years. Don't let this special offer and great investment go to waste, now is the time to schedule a free site assessment!  To schedule an assessment, please call 508-808-4424 or send SolarFlair an email at FranklinSolar@SolarFlair.com 190 Pleasant Street  *  Ashland, MA  *  01721 www.solarflair.com  *  Phone 508-808-4424  *  Fax 508-293-4003

Forward this email SolarFlair Energy Inc | 190 Pleasant Street | Ashland | MA | 01721

Atlantic Bridge Project - Letter to Franklin

Dear Town of Franklin: 

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, ("Algonquin") previously informed you of its intent to develop the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project ("Project") by expanding its interstate natural gas pipeline system. In that earlier communication, we described new and replacement pipeline facilities that were being considered as determined by system design studies based upon expressions of interest from customers to move new volumes of needed natural gas along Algonquin's pipeline system. In the earlier mailing, we informed you that the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project may involve your property and that we had identified your property within the initial study corridor. 

Since that time, Algonquin has finalized its commercial agreements which has resulted in a reduced scope of the previously proposed expanded pipeline facilities in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Based on the revised project design, your property, as identified above, is no longer under consideration for the Atlantic Bridge Project. 

Atlantic Bridge Project - image from Spectra Energy webpage

However, you should know that Algonquin continues to consider separate and unrelated pipeline expansion projects that are currently in the development phase. If Algonquin ultimately determines that one of these projects may involve your property in the future, there may be a need to contact you if and when a project proposal moves forward. Nevertheless, with respect to the Atlantic Bridge Project, we presently do not have the need to access your property as previously requested outside of the existing Algonquin rights-of-way. 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in this process with regard to our earlier request for survey permission. Please feel free to call our toll free number (888) 331-6553 if you have any questions.

This was shared from the Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0213DF1E-000F8513

The full PDF of the doc can also be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdDhVNFd0emVuaUE/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Solar Challenge open house - June 20

via Brett Feldman:

The Solar Challenge is hosting an open house on Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

The event will be held at the Patel residence, 476 Maple St., Franklin. Come see a rooftop solar array in action and ask questions of the installer and the homeowner. 

There will be free brunch food as well. For more information, call 508-808-4556 or email franklinsolar@solarflair.com.

Franklin Solar Challenge

Related posts

Original posting of Open House schedule

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html

Solar installers are busy
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/local-solar-installers-say-they-have.html

"local solar installers say they have been busy"

“The investment is substantial,” said Barry Madden, the company’s general manager. “The investment in the environment is also important.” 

Despite the roughly $400,000 cost of the system installed late last year by Hopkinton-based Solect, the long-term payoff is worth it, Madden said. 

He said the company's monthly electric bill, which had been around $4,000, fell to about $200 last month. And, the company took advantage of a federal tax credit. 

“We will produce over 90 percent of our (electricity) consumption during peak production months,” Madden said. “It so far has proved to be a very, very good investment."

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150613/NEWS/150617856/1994/NEWS

Franklin Solar Challenge

The Franklin Solar Challenge is holding open houses to let you come to a home, view the solar installation and talk with the homeowner and solar experts about the installation.  

The schedule of open houses can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html


Solar Flair has opened an office here in Franklin to help serve the community needs for the solar challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html


Additional info on the solar challenge can be found on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/solar

or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinSolarChallenge

The Franklin Solar Challenge can help you!

Dear Franklin Residents,

Now is the time to go solar!

The Franklin Solar Challenge is in Tier 4 pricing, and only needs a couple more signed contracts to hit the lowest pricing tier, Tier 5!

Franklin Solar Challenge

SolarFlair Energy, the selected installer for the Franklin Solar Challenge, will be holding open houses over the next couple of months, food and soft drinks will be provided, as well as SolarFlair representatives on hand to answer your questions. The Open House dates and times are listed below.

• Feldman Residence 
• June 7th 10AM-2PM 
• 37 Meadowbrook Rd. 
• Franklin, MA 

• Patel Residence 
• June 20th 11AM-3PM 
• 476 Maple St. 
• Franklin, MA 

• D'Attilio Residence 
• July 12th 11AM-3PM 
• 55 Gallison St. 
• Franklin, MA 

• Prewitt Residence 
• July 18th 11AM-3PM 
• 17 Sunset Rd. 
• Franklin, MA

Although it has been a tough winter, SolarFlair has been installing systems on the homes of the first customers that signed up in the Franklin Solar Challenge. Four residents of Franklin have been so kind and agreed to let other residents come by and check out their solar installation!

This is a great importunity for those of you who have a proposal, to witness first hand the high quality workmanship that SolarFlair provides, and speak to the homeowners about their experience with SolarFlair.

For those who have a signed contract under the Franklin Solar Challenge, you are welcome to come and see what your new system will look like!

Why is my National Grid bill skyrocketing and what can I do about it?

From Brett Feldman:

Why is my National Grid bill skyrocketing and what can I do about it?

I've heard from a lot of people who have opened their winter National Grid bills and got extreme sticker shock. They are wondering what happened and how they can address it. I'm sorry I didn't write this sooner in the season when it could have been more helpful for this winter, but hopefully I can provide some short-term help, prevent people from making reactionary mistakes, and give some suggestions to better manage your energy costs in the long term.

A little history and background. National Grid is a regulated monopoly utility. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities controls how National Grid can charge its customers. Because energy is a volatile commodity, the DPU requires National Grid to procure electricity for its customers on a relatively long-term basis to reduce risk. Electricity prices actually change on a hourly basis, but National Grid purchases 6-month blocks at a fixed price. Sometimes this price might end up higher than the actual prices over that term, and sometimes it might be lower, but the idea is to lower the risk to the consumers. National Grid makes NO profit on this function.

nationalGRID

New England relies greatly on natural gas to fuel its power plants these days. We don't have any native sources of natural gas here, so we have to get it here by pipelines, and we are at the end of the pipeline. Pipelines have limited capacity, so if there is excessive demand due to cold weather, there can be a shortage and prices will spike. So even if natural gas prices in general are low, local congestion costs can increase our price. It's similar to gasoline prices being cheaper in Oklahoma and Texas than here because we need to transport it here, which adds costs.

This winter, electricity prices in New England were expected to increase dramatically based on the Polar Vortex last winter. Last winter, there was extremely cost weather, and real-time electricity prices spiked very high. So energy traders were concerned about a repeat this winter, and that risk premium was built in when National Grid bought its winter supply last fall. In reality, the weather hasn't been nearly as bad this winter and prices have not been as high. But last winter, National Grid locked in ahead of time at lower rates than what actually transpired, so we consumers actually saved money whether we realized it or not.

I hope that helps explain how we got here, and didn't just confuse you more.

In any case, what can you do now to deal with the high rates? I'll give you a few options.

1. Alternative Suppliers

Similar to how the airline and telecommunication industries were deregulated in the 1980s and 1990s, the energy industry has been deregulated as well. You will always have National Grid providing the physical delivery of electricity, but you can choose the financial supplier of your electricity. There are a number of suppliers listed on National Grid's website http://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/home/energychoice/4_supplier_list.asp. 

Unfortunately there is no comparison site like Orbitz, so you have to check each one individually. They are not regulated by the DPU, so they can offer a range of options, from monthly pricing to long-term fixed price contracts.

Because I knew what was going to happen with the National Grid rates back in October, I locked in for the 6-month winter season for 7 cents with Provider Power. At this point, you won't find anything that low. I would advise against locking in for more than a few months now, because the National Grid rates almost always go down in the summer. 

See the history here http://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/non_html/MA_Residential_Table.pdf. 

And next winter likely won't be as high as this winter since we are having a mild season and gas storage should be ok.

You can't just focus on the price, you also have to think about quantity. Most people use about twice as much electricity during summer months than winter due to air conditioning. So you don't want to lock in a higher rate in the summer, because it will cost you a lot more than the winter due to the higher volume.

2. Energy Efficiency

The cheapest energy is what you don't use, so energy efficiency is the best way to cut your bills. Get a free energy audit from National Grid http://www.masssave.com/.  

Mass save

They will give you CFL or LED lightbulbs and other tips like more insulation or more efficient heating and air conditioning equipment. Also, think about turning off lights and electronics when not in use, getting smart power strips that save energy, and turning down thermostats when possible. My house uses about half the electricity of a normal house our size because I have trained my kids to be light police.

3. Produce your own energy, like Solar

These days, you can take matters into your own hands as well by generating your own energy. The Franklin Solar Challenge http://solarflair.com/solarize/franklin-solar-challenge is currently underway to offer residents a vetted vendor and the best group pricing possible. The more homeowners and business that sign-up, the better price everyone gets. Plus, if we get a certain level of participation, our vendor will donate a solar array to a local non-profit or affordable housing unit. Everyone wins.

Franklin Solar Challenge

If you have good solar access on your roof, you can expect a 4-5 year payback. Otherwise, it may be 7-8 years. If that is too long or you don't have good solar access, you can still invest in Community Solar, which allows you to buy a piece of a solar array somewhere else but get the same financial benefit.

So don't feel helpless; there are actions you can take. I am happy to talk with anyone about more details. I have nothing to gain professionally, I just want to help my fellow residents (although maybe I could make a business out of it!).

Brett Feldman

Franklin Town Council

Navigant Consulting

17-year energy industry veteran

feldjamin@hotmail.com

Franklin Solar Challenge: "reached Tier 4 pricing in record time"

The Franklin Solar Challenge, a Town sponsored program that allows residents to take advantage of group-buying power for solar PV panels which help offset the rising cost of electric bills, has reached Tier 4 pricing in record time. 

The Solar Challenge was launched in early September by local solar installer, SolarFlair Energy in Ashland, and is having early success in the amount of residents who have signed up in the program. 

“This is the fastest SolarFlair has reached the Tier 4 pricing level, out of all 9 communities that have participated in this type of program with us.” Said Dan Barnett, SolarFlair’s Residential Sales Manager. 

Franklin Solar Challenge

 

The pricing is based on five tiers, the base price, which starts at Tier 1, goes down per watt as more people sign up. A customer will save $2,400 on an average system of 20 panels. The expected payback would be 3-5 years. 

SolarFlair has also offered a Tier 6 and 7, which means Franklin has reached 400 or 600 kilowatts of contracted solar power, if Tier 7 is reached then SolarFlair will donate two solar PV systems to local non-profit organizations. 

Last year, as part of the Chelmsford-Carlisle solar program, SolarFlair Energy donated a solar PV system to The Paul Center, a local non-profit organization that serves children and young adults with disabilities. 

The Franklin Solar Challenge offers Franklin residents an opportunity to reduce its impact on the environment, save money and increase its energy independence. 

For more information or to schedule a free home assessment, contact SolarFlair Energy, 508-808-4556 or email at franklinsolar@solarflair.com. You can also sign up online at SolarFlair.com by clicking the Franklin Solar Challenge logo.

screen grab of Solar Flair webpage for Solarize Franklin

Solar Flair has established an office here in Franklin. You can visit them on East Central St. They are in the Lorusso building on the corner of Chestnut and East Central.

Solar Flair in Franklin

You can also find the Franklin Solar Challenge on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinSolarChallenge

Franklin Solar Challenge now on Facebook

You can follow the link to 'like' their page and sign up for notifications.
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinSolarChallenge

Post by Franklin Solar Challenge.

Franklin Solar Challenge

Prior posts on the Franklin Solar Challenge

Informational meeting in August
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/solar-challenge-informational-meeting.html

Informational meeting in September
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-solar-challenge-meeting.html

Attention: Frankin Solar Challenge volunteers

Dear Franklin Solar Challenge Volunteers,

Thank you for offering to volunteer and help out with the Franklin Solar Challenge! This is a great program for the Town to reduce our dependence on the utility, help the environment, and receive great pricing on a solar PV system through tiered pricing with SolarFlair Energy. Remember, the more people that sign-up, the better price everyone gets and the town can get free solar installations as well! 

I'd like to reach out and discuss the next steps, along with describing the type of help that's needed. To start we will have a short meeting with all volunteers and SolarFlair on Monday, September 22 at 6 pm in the Municipal Building, Room 205. This meeting will include more information on solar along with a short presentation on what makes a home or business a good fit for solar. 

To kick off the efforts, we're looking for assistance at the Harvest Festival on Sunday Oct. 5^th. This is an all-day event and we would like to have waves of volunteers so that we're not taking up your whole day and you're able to enjoy the festival also :) 

After the Harvest Festival, we will have various types of marketing initiatives to spark interest in the program. These may include door hangers for homes that have been pre-qualified as good sites for solar and additional Town events like the Harvest Festival, where we need volunteers to staff the booth for a couple of hours.

Please respond to this email if you're still able to volunteer so that we know how many to expect at the meeting. I look forward to hearing back and meeting those of you that can donate some time to the program, and once again thank you for signing up!

Regards,

Brett Feldman  (email =  feldjamin@hotmail.com)
Franklin Town Council508-346-3643

solar farm under construction at Mount St Mary's Abbey in 2013

Franklin Solar Challenge - meeting documents

The flyer available for those attending the Franklin Solar Challenge meeting on Wednesday, Sep 10 is available here:





The presentation used by SolarFlair can be viewed here




My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-solar-challenge-solarflair.html

and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-solar-challenge-next-step.html

The solar farm under construction at Mount St Mary's Abbey in 2013

If you would like to explore joining the Franklin Solar Challenge, you can find out more with the Franklin Planning and Community Development Dept.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/initiatives/solarize.pdf

Franklin Solar Challenge - Next Step Energy - vendor for energy audits

Next Step Living can be found on the web at nextstepliving.com

An energy assessment at no-cost. A 2-3 hour visit to assess the efficiency of the home.

You can call 866-867-8729 to set up an appointment.

Next Step Living website

Franklin Solar Challenge - SolarFlair chosen as installation vendor

SolarFlair, a MA company currently located in Ashland, MA.

http://solarflair.com/

Founded in 2007, moved to Framingham in 2010 and then to Ashland earlier this year.

SolarFlair

(Copy of the presentation being shown should be available later for sharing here)

SolarFlair did send along a copy of their presentation to share here:




several slides from the presentation are the same ones as shown in the information session Aug 20, 2014.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/solar-challenge-presentation-copies.html

pictures of installations done around the state, Holden, Charlton, Sherborn, Framingham, etc.

warranty for 25 years on the panel

SREC = solar renewable energy certificates
The wikipedia entry for SREC is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Renewable_Energy_Certificate

Reminder: Franklin Solar Challenge update - Sep 10 - vendor to be announced

Friendly reminder:

All:  The Town has received proposals from six Solar Panel Installation Companies for the Franklin Solar Challenge project.  I am working with a Proposal Review Committee made up of four Town residents who volunteered to review the proposals and interview the solar installation companies. Interviews took place today (September 3rd) and the Proposal Review Committee has identified two finalist. The Committee will conduct further review of the two finalists to assure the Town chooses the solar installation company that is right for the Franklin Solar Challenge project.  Both companies are well qualified and have implemented similar projects in other Massachusetts communities.

Which ever solar installation company is chosen for the Franklin Solar Challenge they will be in attendance at a meeting on September 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 355 East Central Street. The company will provide specifics about their company and general information on solar panel installation costs and the different options available.

I hope all interested residents and small businesses are able to attend next week's meeting.  If not able to attend next week there will be many other opportunities in the near future to obtain the same information, including at the Harvest Festival on October 5th. Either way, the solar installation company chosen by the Town will begin contacting all individuals that previously provided the Town with contact information.   

In addition to the solar installation company chosen for the Franklin Solar Challenge, a partnering energy audit company will be in attendance at next week's meeting.  It is not required, but strongly recommended that all property owners considering solar panels first have a free energy audit performed. Additional information will be provided at next week's meeting. 

I look forward to working with the Town's residents and small businesses on the Franklin Solar Challenge project.  

Bryan W. Taberner, AICP

Director of Planning and Community Development

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038-1352

Phone: 508-520-4907

Fax: 508-520-4906

Email: btaberner@franklin.ma.us

Mt St Mary's solar farm when it was under construction during Aug 2013

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