Whately Energy Committee Pursues Heat Pump Study for Elementary School Boiler

WHATELY -- April 27, 2026, Whately Energy Committee moves toward a heat pump study for the elementary school boiler. The three-member panel, meeting April 27, voted unanimously to pursue a technical assistance grant that would fund a professional analysis of replacing the school's aging oil boiler with a heat pump primary system backed by a smaller conventional boiler, rather than a straight like-for-like replacement. Member Paul reported conversations with Deerfield building manager Bill Hildreth, who favored conventional replacement, and with Deerfield Energy Committee member David Keith, who urged the town to consult UMass Extension Service before committing to another fossil-fuel system. Committee member Caroline was assigned to contact Keith, identify a replacement for departed UMass energy specialist Ben Weil, and explore available grant programs. Separately, the panel received word that engineers under Eversource's project expediter program have formally applied to conduct a free comprehensive building assessment of the town offices, with a site visit expected within days, and discussed how to meet a June 30 grant deadline for public engagement tied to a completed solar panel installation at those offices.