Energy panel flags staffing gap, aggregation update

Energy Advisory Committee · Meeting of September 29, 2026

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Energy Advisory Committee reported its new municipal electricity aggregation program enrolled most of the city's 70,306 mailed accounts, with about 15 percent opting out, while pressing the city on a three-month-old staffing vacancy. Chair Jamie Paquette said the position left vacant since the energy and sustainability coordinator, known to the committee only as Sophie, departed is "the only point of contact between the city and this committee." Members discussed a proposed low-income community solar add-on, negotiated by consultant Good Energy with developer BlueWave for a roughly four-megawatt project in Blandford, that would automatically credit qualifying residents' Eversource bills. The panel also flagged uncertainty over a $30,000 Climate Leader Communities grant for an electric DPW van, estimating the city may still need to cover an $18,000 to $20,000 gap.

Members set their next meeting for October 28 at 6 p.m. and adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

In the full story:

• Committee Updates: BEES Committee and Staffing Vacancy
• Electrification and Efficiency Programs
• Municipal Aggregation
• Green Communities and Climate Leader Communities Grants
• Renewal Initiatives: Town Lodging House
• Public Outreach Events
• Legislative and Policy Updates
• Climate Action Plan and New Business
• Scheduling and Adjournment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,526 words

Source: the Energy Advisory Committee meeting of September 29, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.