Started in 2012, The Fitchburg Energy Commission seeks to provide residents with information about energy saving resources, lower the barrier to entry for green businesses, and improve municipal emission and energy standards.
The Fitchburg Commission on Energy & the Environment holds public meetings on the second Thursday, 6pm, at the Municipal Offices, 166 Boulder Drive.
(http://www.fitchburgma.gov/government/public_meeting/default.cfm)
The commission shall have the following purposes and authority:
1. To develop and administer programs relating to energy conservation, nonrenewable energy supply and resource development, recycling, energy information, emergency heating assistance, and energy emergencies;
2. To advise, assist, and cooperate with local, state, regional, and federal agencies in developing appropriate programs and policies relating to energy planning and regulation in the commonwealth including assistance and advice in the preparation of loan or grant applications with respect to energy programs for local government agencies;
3. To develop local energy data and information management capabilities to aid energy planning and decision-making;
4. To develop methods of review for existing energy contracts and hold public hearings;
5. To promote the development of sound local energy education programs;
6. To apply for, receive, expend, represent and act on behalf of the city, with the approval of the mayor, federal or state grants, grant programs or reimbursements, or to apply for private grants, and to keep accounts, records, and data;
7. To enter into contracts with the approval of the Mayor and to the extent required by law with the approval of the Council, and to adjust claims.
8. To coordinate the activities of governmental or private agencies organized for similar purposes, and to advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its work and it shall keep an index of all energy resources within such city or town with the objective of obtaining information pertinent to proper utilization of such resources; and
9. To Develop and recommend polices and procedures to the Mayor and Council for adoption by the City;
10. Shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions.
11. The commission may receive gifts, grants, bequests, and devises, whether real or personal, from any source, whether public or private, for the purpose of assisting the commission in the discharge of its duties with the approval of the City Council;
12. The Energy Commission shall submit an annual report to the City Council.
It is the Fitchburg Commission on Energy and the Environment's mission to assess, advocate and to improve energy systems and access to energy that promote conservation, a strong economy and a healthy environment in the City of Fitchburg through public/private partnerships.
