Wayland energy committee endorses three town meeting warrant articles

WAYLAND — March 12, 2024 — Wayland energy panel endorses three warrant articles and unveils sub-utility electricity rates. The Energy and Climate Committee voted 5-0 Tuesday to back articles authorizing 25-year solar power purchase agreements at Loker Elementary and the Council on Aging, plus adoption of the state's specialized opt-in stretch code. Chair Ellen Tohn said the new Wayland Electricity Choice default will price at 13.224 cents per kilowatt-hour with 20 percent extra renewables — versus roughly 17 cents on the current utility default — with a 100 percent green opt-up just above 15 cents. The opt-out window runs March 20 to April 22. Member John Harper said abutters remain unhappy with the COA parking-lot canopy; Sustainability Manager Abby Shute said installer Solect is redesigning stanchions and adding screening. Construction at Town Hall under the Ameresco contract begins March 18.