VHES Meeting: March 7, 2008

Meeting began at 10:00 am.

Dave Lavoie from EnerNOC spoke about his company. EnerNOC (Energy Network Operations Center) manages electrical supply and demand for ISO New England. Basically they contract with businesses that can curtail power and/or generate their own power to reduce the demand on New England power during times of high demand. If power demand is approaching supply, normally during hot summer days, they contact the companies they have contract with to start their generators and/or turn off energy consuming equipment. This has only been needed 4 times since 2003 and usually only last one or maybe two days. This is the last step before a rolling blackout is enacted. They pay their clients to be available to reduce or cogenerate power whether they are called upon of not, plus they the pay their clients when they are required to reduce or cogenerate power. They will call their clients at least once per year if they haven’t been contacted for a real event to verify the ability to assist. This test only last a couple of hours. A couple of hospitals in Vt have already signed on including FAHC who has been involved for a few years.

Business Meeting began at 11:50.

Secretary/Treasurer Report – Dan reported that there is $2106.19 in the checking account as of 3/6/08. Small amounts of dues have been brought in and the biggest expense, just under $1000 was for the new web site administrator.

Website Update – Rachel Smith, the new webmaster, from Net Source of Vermont located in Grand Isle, has made some changes and updates to the web site including getting the e-mail system fixed.

Membership Status – Brian reported that we have 30 members, 27 active, 3 honorary. Three active members are behind in their dues. A discussion about honorary members was had. The by-laws will be reviewed to see what the requirements are. Some felt that to be eligible one needs to be retired.

Spring Conference – VHES is sponsoring/hosting the spring NEHES on 3/21/08. Mark and Brian have the meeting all arranged. There will be 25 vendor booths. Educational topics are Green Buildings, NFPA 99, and Pharmaceutical waste. We are encouraging VHES members to attend.

Tier II – Mark mentioned that Tier II (the right-to-know) report was due March 1. It is quite easy using the on-line tool for reporting,

Next Meeting Date – May 9, 2008 and to be held at Rutland – The topics are elevators and NFPA 99.

A nice lunch of pasta with alfredo sauce and beef, potatoes, salad, dessert, and soda served at 11:50.

12:21 p.m.: Adjournment