1. Scope of Work
The City of Northampton seeks a qualified third party appraisal of
the economic viability of installing and operating a hydro-electric
facility at the Upper Roberts Meadow Reservoir Dam based on:
• a review of the Phase II Engineering Evaluation Alternatives Study
(2008) and Updated Cost Estimate (2009) produced by GZA
GeoEnvironmental;
• an interpretation of hydropower resource assessments produced by
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (2009) and The Essex Partnership (2010);
• a review of subsequent letters of clarification and meeting minutes on
this topic; and (provided via
• examination of economic assumptions and conclusions in the two
assessment reports.
• Note: On 9/8/10 a copy of the letter dated Aug 27, 10 from Essex
Partnership to Mayor Higgins, Mr. Culhane, and Friends was sent to all
firms to include in the review.

2. Low State Support for Hydro
Green Communities Act (GCA) Enacted
• customers whose renewable energy generation is not
solar, wind or agricultural will continue to receive the
average wholesale price set by ISO New England.
• only solar and wind generated net metering credits can
be assigned to a customer’s other accounts
The MA Clean Energy Center (CEC) is the primary source
of support for renewable energy in Massachusetts, yet
their hydro-power program, Commonwealth Hydro, is
not geared to support small run of the river or hydro
projects that are not “behind the meter”