The Peterborough Select Board approved a new community power supply rate and discussed water meter incentives, the creation of a Master Plan Steering Committee and the Department of Public Works budget at its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20.
The board voted 2-1 to adopt the Peterborough Local option as the town’s default community power supply rate. The plan is one of five Eversource-provided options available to residents and businesses.
The Peterborough Local option includes 25.2% renewable energy, costs 14.508 cents per kilowatt-hour and has an estimated monthly supply cost of about $94. Other options ranged from the Basic plan, also 25.2% renewable at 14.258 cents per kilowatt-hour, to the Clean 100 option, which is 100% renewable at 17.258 cents per kilowatt-hour, with an estimated monthly cost of about $112.
Select Board member Bill Kennedy made the motion to approve the Peterborough Local option, which was seconded by member Bonnie Tucker. Chair Tyler Ward voted against the motion, arguing that any option short of 100% renewable energy undermines the town’s commitment to sustainability and supports entities opposed to renewable energy adoption.
Despite Ward’s objections, the majority vote approved the default option and incorporated it into the town’s budget for the year.
The board also continued its discussion of a proposed Multi-Family Water Meter Incentive Program, aimed at offsetting rising water rates by encouraging the installation of individual water meters in multi-family buildings, such as apartment complexes.
Currently, water use in many multi-family buildings is measured by a single meter for the entire structure. The proposed program would incentivize property owners to install meters for individual units. Board members said the average cost of installing individual meters remains uncertain and will depend on property owners’ assessments. An estimate of $200,000 was cited as the potential cost to retrofit all eligible buildings townwide.
Town Administrator Nicole MacStay suggested allocating $60,000 as an initial funding level, split evenly between the town’s water and sewer funds. The board also said residents in participating multi-family buildings would receive a retroactive rebate for their October 2025 water bills once the program is approved.
The incentive program remains under review, with the board awaiting a proposed cap on total program spending.
Director of Town Planning and Building, Danica Melone, announced the formation of a new Master Plan Steering Committee following the vote on power supply rates. The committee, a subcommittee of the Planning Board, will oversee the update of the town’s master plan, which is required every five years. Melone said the committee hopes to begin work on March 10 and is seeking volunteers.
In other business, Assistant Town Administrator and Director of Public Works Seth MacLean presented an overview of the department’s annual budget.