Nahant alternative energy board back to business

NAHANT – After a period of inactivity, the Alternative Energy Committee is regrouping and trying to build up some momentum.”We’re just trying to get up some steam,” committee member Larry Bradley said. “The committee has existed for a while, but hasn’t really met or discussed anything until now. We’re looking over things we might look into for the coming year.”Bradley said the committee, which is not scheduled to meet until sometime after the April 25 Town Meeting, has not elected officers yet.Bradley said an important issue the committee would be tackling is energy conservation.”Education is a big part of conservation,” he said.Selectman Michael Manning, who is also on the committee, said conservation is where residents can have the most immediate impact. He said he recently attended a convention where he learned almost 40 percent of oil in the country is used to heat home and buildings.”Things like insulation and weatherization save energy,” he said. “As people replace appliances they should look at things that conserve energy and water. I recently bought a new washing machine and am amazed at the savings in electricity and water.”Manning said residents can save a large amount of energy by switching to compact flourescent light bulbs.”A 15 watt compact flourescent light bulb will give you the equivalent light of a 60 watt light bulb,” he said. “When you look at energy usage it is a significant savings.”Bradley said the committee would also be looking at alternative forms of energy.”We’re talking about looking at a combination of things including solar energy, wind energy and tidal energy,” he said.Bradley said it’s his understanding researchers at Northeastern University Marine Science Center at East Point are experimenting with the use of solar energy.”We’re going to observe the solar energy activity up there,” he said. “That information could be helpful to us.”Manning said there have been some changes in wind energy that make it a more promising source of energy, including smaller turbines.”We’re going to take a look at everything,” he said. “Making Nahant more energy efficient will help the environment and save money.”