The rising cost of electricity in Massachusetts, and perhaps more importantly the Berkshires, has provoked numerous concerns from the business community. Decisions about future investment and job growth as well as decisions about the future of being able to do business in the state are becoming realities. In some cases, organizations are forced to scale back staffing and establish stringent expense control policies to cope with the energy cost burden.
A few businesses have even closed their doors in response to this energy crisis. As such, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation have worked in partnership over this past year on the issue and, as a result, have developed an energy strategy for Berkshire County.
Affordability of energy to consumers and businesses in Berkshire County is critical not only as a cost-savings but to ensure the very best quality of life for our future. The Berkshire Energy Strategy focuses on four key components that have been designed to ease the strain on the business community for both the short and long-term. The Strategy recognizes that strong collaboration is necessary to address this issue and that the plan is a continuous work-in-progress.
Short-term Tactics
1. Transmission – The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and Berkshire Economic Development Corporation along with the Attorney General’s office, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, our local, regional, and state delegation and administration will be present during the next scheduled rate hearings in 2008 to ensure that fair and equitable electric costs are distributed between the business and residential community. The Chamber and the BEDC will be charged with keeping the business community informed along the way and to ensure some of the hearings take place in Berkshire County so the business community can be heard.
2. Supply – The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is creating a buying consortium to stabilize electric rates. This member-only benefit can increase purchasing power and provide a competitive bid process, which will help members enjoy long-term budget stability and, potentially, a cost-savings. Informational forums will take place in North Adams, Pittsfield and Lenox in October and November.
3. Conservation – Many businesses still have cost-savings to be realized through conservation measures. The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide forums for members to learn more about energy efficiency and conservation programs offered by utilities in Western Massachusetts.
Long-term Tactics
1. Generation/Supply – The state and region must identify ways to utilize renewable energy sources as well as develop methods for creating energy within the state.
a. Renewable energy – The Berkshire Economic Development Corporation will continue to work to attract biomass, biofuel, wind, solar and other renewable energy developments in the Berkshires.
b. Other generation sources/fuel diversity – identify new sources of power generation. Too much of the power used in the county travels a great distance to get here which affects some of the distribution and transmission charges. Finding ways to create energy generation facilities closer to the region would have a positive effect on costs.
2. Statewide policy & advocacy – The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation will work with legislators and the administration to develop a long-term energy policy with the state that stabilizes and reduces energy costs in Western Massachusetts. The promotion of legislative and regulatory measures that encourage fair and equitable transmission costs, competitive supply costs, conservation, fuel diversity, and renewable energy will be a focus of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Berkshire Economic Development Corporation.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
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