Cohasset residents using town-owned electric vehicle charging stations could soon see a price hike as the Alternative Energy Committee looks to plug a growing fiscal deficit. Member Chris Oddleifson presented a 2025 data report revealing that while the town recorded 3,267 charging sessions across 643 unique drivers last year, the current rate of 22 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) fails to cover municipal costs. Oddleifson calculated that the town pays approximately 28.5 cents per kWh to National Grid, resulting in a steady loss even when accounting for idle fee revenue. The cash negative cash flow is $2,915, Oddleifson noted, suggesting a rate increase to at least 28.5 cents just to break even, though committee members observed that market rates in the region range as high as 52 cents.

The committee is also racing against a federal clock to secure substantial tax credits for solar arrays planned for the Joseph Osgood and Deer Hill school roofs. Chair Tanya Bodell highlighted a critical July 4, 2026, deadline to begin construction; meeting this date allows the town until 2029 to finish the projects while still claiming a 30% tax credit. If you start construction before July 4th, you have until the end of 2029 to complete the solar energy array and still get the 30% tax credit, Bodell said. The push for solar follows the $5.8 million Osgood roof replacement approved by Town Meeting last November, with the committee now coordinating with engineers and the School Committee to identify additional carport or bus facility locations to mitigate energy cost volatility.

Beyond solar, the town is eyeing a $500,000 Green Communities decarbonization grant to help fund a new HVAC system for Town Hall. The project is expected to exceed $1 million and requires a 25% local match from town coffers. Member Debbie Cook emphasized the importance of the funding, stating, If we can get half a million it's that is that is huge... somebody's got to be really in charge and make sure everything is all in place to meet the April 10 application deadline. Assistant Town Planner Julia Gillis, who is assisting the Department of Public Works and Facilities on the application, was asked by the chair to clarify leadership roles with the Interim Town Manager to ensure the complex filing is completed on time.

Progress on other infrastructure has been stalled by administrative hurdles at the state level. Gillis reported that a rip and replace program for aging EV chargers has been delayed because state officials at Mass EVIP have not responded to repeated inquiries since September. Trying to get in touch with Mass EVIP has been a challenge, Gillis said, adding that National Grid currently only supports new installations rather than replacements. Member Cook noted the committee is exploring whether other contractors can be used to bypass the bottleneck once the state responds.

To boost residential adoption of clean energy, the committee will host a demonstration table at the Health and Recreation Fair on March 22. Cook plans to feature induction stoves and heat pumps, while Bodell and Oddleifson discussed a potential comparison of electric and gas-powered leaf blowers. Bodell shared her experience switching to an electric blower, noting she used it effectively on light snow despite initial skepticism from her family. My husband at first was laughing at me and said, 'This is what happens when you bring a Southern California girl into New England,' she joked. The committee is also planning a library seminar in late April focused on whole-home battery storage and the available $1,000 annual grid-sharing incentives.

Finally, the committee is monitoring a warrant article for the Spring Town Meeting regarding the Climate Leaders program. Member Cook stated that the language remains focused strictly on the municipal side to avoid the political complications seen in other communities. Early in the session, the committee reviewed the previous month's records. Motion Made by T. Bodell to approve the January 8, 2026 meeting minutes subject to minor typo and formatting corrections. Motion Passed 4-0-0. Members Martha Gangemi, Steven Wenner, and Barbara Russell also participated in the session, which concluded with assigned action items to secure energy usage data from National Grid.