Forum tonight on proposed $12.5 million energy performance contract

By Michele Morgan Bolton, Globe Correspondent

A presentation on a proposed $12.5 million Energy Savings Performance Contract to upgrade the energy efficiency of all Dedham town buildings will be offered tonight to all interested town residents, according to new Selectmen Chairwoman Sarah MacDonald.

Dedham Town Administrator Bill Keegan and School Superintendent June Doe are the featured speakers at the 7 p.m. forum at the Dedham Middle School, 70 Whiting Ave.

The proposed upgrade is represented as Item AAA in Article 4 of the May 17 Town Meeting warrant and needs a positive vote to be implemented.

The contract, which would cover 13 town buildings, would be carried out by an energy firm. Officials have said the town would recoup its investment over time through savings that are guaranteed by the firm.

A $150,000 stimulus award would help offset the cost of one feature of the proposed energy-saving work: the installation of a central energy control system for all the buildings.

Michele Morgan Bolton can be reached at mmbolton1@verizon.net