The Harwich Energy and Climate Action Committee is eyeing a transition from the state’s Green Communities program to the more lucrative Climate Leader designation, a move that could unlock up to $1 million in grant funding per municipal project. During its April 23 meeting, the committee discussed shifting focus toward larger-scale energy management as the town seeks to professionalize its administrative structure. Chair Valerie Bell noted that while Green Communities grants are capped at $250,000, becoming a Climate Leader offers significantly higher stakes. If you become a Climate Leader... you're talking a million dollars per project, Bell said. Now you're able to do a big project because you've got money.

Select Board Liaison Mark Keller urged the committee to prioritize "low-hanging fruit" that offers immediate fiscal relief to taxpayers, specifically targeting the town's rising utility costs. Keller highlighted a recent monthly gas bill at the Harwich Cultural Center on Sisson Road that reached between $12,000 and $13,000. He suggested that the Town Administrator, James Jay McGrail, is currently interviewing for an Assistant Town Administrator who could provide the professional grant-writing and management authority the volunteer committee currently lacks. I would think this assistant will be doing kind of special projects... to delve into what the Green Communities will be, delve into the Climate Leader... and write the grant, Keller noted, adding that this role would provide a legitimate signature for state applications.

The committee’s pivot toward municipal energy management aligns with broader efforts by the Charter Commission to clarify the division of labor between the Select Board and the Town Administrator. Bell encouraged members to review the draft Town Charter, which she said creates a clearer distinction between the Select Board’s big picture vision and the Administrator’s day-to-day operations. Committee member Charlie expressed concern that the town has historically lacked the long-term planning seen in neighboring communities like Orleans. You have to have a vision, Charlie said. For example, in Orleans, they're way ahead with roundabouts... Harwich never does anything. They should be planning all this stuff.

Residential outreach remains a priority through the new Energy Navigators program, which aims to provide hand-holding for residents overwhelmed by the transition to heat pumps and solar power. Member Pam Latimer, who recently completed training with the Cape Light Compact, shared her own struggles with a heat pump system that failed to maintain warmth during peak winter months. I realized this winter even though I got the rebate that they weren't meeting the temperature needs, Latimer said, emphasizing the need for better contractor training and system design. The committee plans to staff a table at the Harwich Farmers Market in July and August to help residents navigate similar technical hurdles.

The committee also touched on the leadership transition at the Cape Light Compact following the retirement of long-time administrator Maggie Downey. Bell, who represents Harwich on the Compact board, reported that Margaret Song has taken over the role, ensuring continuity for the town's energy aggregation and Green Communities paperwork. Looking ahead, Latimer suggested that the committee contribute to a recurring town newsletter to improve transparency, noting that a recent 18-page guide from Administrator McGrail was a positive step. Shouldn't there be a town newsletter, even if it's just quarterly? Latimer asked. Something where all the different departments could contribute... and put some kind of summary about what they're doing.