Institute for Sustainable Energy

Advisory Board

Board Meeting September 29, 2003

Members:
Arthur Diedrick, Chairman, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
Shirley Bergert , Public Benefits Task Force Director, CT Legal Services
John Mengacci, Undersecretary, Strategic Management Division, OPM
Richard Barredo, Chief Operating Officer, CEF
Michael Chowaniec, DPUC, for Donald Downes

Guests:
Dr. David Carter, President, ECSU
Joel Rinebold, Executive Director, ISE
William Leahy, Associate Executive Director, ISE
Laurel Kohl, ISE, acting secretary

Meeting called to order by Arthur Diedrick at 9:08 AM .

Arthur Diedrick requested Advisory Board members consider the minutes of the August 27, 2003 meeting. Motion by Richard Barredo, seconded by John Mengacci, to accept the minutes. Motion carried.

Review of programs and activities:
William Leahy reported that the ECMB has requested that ISE programs and goals be aligned with a breakdown of costs and customer sectors served. A copy of the segmented programs was submitted to the Advisory Board. He also noted that ECMB members had stated that the conservation fund should not be the sole support of ISE, that other funding sources, including the CT Clean Energy Fund, should provide financial support to the Institute as well. A discussion of the Advisory Board followed covering the history of ISE funding, the ongoing concerns of the ECMB and the funding process used by CCEF for awarding grants. Arthur Diedrick stated that CCEF is limited to funding activities targeted toward the installation of Class 1 Renewables by their mission. Shirley Bergert suggested that CCEF communicate with the ECMB about what they will fund, and how their grants are disbursed. Arthur Diedrick suggested that he speak with the ECMB to have CCEF appear at the October 7, 2003 ECMB meeting. Shirley Bergert suggested that the CCEF file a letter of intent at this time, to be followed by a later meeting. William Leahy stated that ISE is seeking $850,000 from the ECMB for the 2004 budget.

Public Opinion Survey:
William Leahy reported that the ISE is planning to conduct a public opinion survey, and he distributed a copy of the questions to the Advisory Board. Questions were drawn from five historic sources, including OPM surveys of 20 years ago. The survey will be conducted using university students, in cooperation with the Institutional Research Department at ECSU. The board questioned if this survey would also be a benefit to the ECMB. Shirley Bergert suggested expanding the study with focus groups representing business and industry.

“On the Path to Sustainability”
William Leahy reported that the brochure for the October 27-28 “On the Path to Sustainability” conference would be mailed today. Targeted mailings will also be made to University presidents and municipal officials. Congressman John Larson was suggested as a speaker in Senator Dodd's absence. CCEF has agreed to be a platinum sponsor. Sponsorships have also been committed by DOE, Clean Air/Cool Planet and SmartPower Connecticut . DPUC staff and ECMB members will be invited as guests of ISE.

Grant Activity:
William Leahy reported that ISE has received approval for a grant from the EPA for $25,000 to conduct three Energy Star Benchmarking workshops in support of the New England Governors / Eastern Canadian Premiers Climate Change Action Plan activities. The workshops will be conducted around New England , to include attendance from all the New England states and Eastern Canadian Provinces Action Plan working groups. ISE will develop case studies on the benefits of benchmarking based on results that have come from studies conducted in Windham , Derby , Stamford and Hartford .

In planning for future Advisory Board meetings, the board set aside the first Monday of the month, starting in December. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 10, 2003 at 2 PM and will be held on an as needed basis.

Arthur Diedrick called for a motion to adjourn. Motion by John Mengacci, seconded by Shirley Bergert. Motion carried at 10:17 AM .

Respectfully submitted,

Laurel Kohl

Acting Secretary