Energy policies in Portsmouth need revisions

Jan. 8 − To the Editor:

The recent controversy regarding Ms. Moodey’s effort to install solar panels on her roof in the South End has resulted in many voices speaking up. These include Ms. Moodey, the Historic District Commission (HDC), City Council and Ms. Lusky in a recent letter to the paper.

Each of these voices bring up very valid issues. Considering the minimal actions that our city has undertaken so far to encourage solar energy generation, is it any wonder that Ms. Moodey took the initiative to install panels on her home. That initiative was rejected by the HDC, although the panels were on the back side of her home not visible from the street. Then City Council weighed in to suggest that the HDC should not be deciding Climate Change actions and solar energy related disputes. Finally, Ms. Lusky in a letter to the Herald pushed back insisting that the HDC needs to perform its mission of protecting the historical character of our city.

I would suggest that all parties have good ideas to contribute.

As a scientist with many years of energy-related experience and a member of the Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee (PEAC) I believe that the HDC should do a comprehensive review of its energy related regulations.

We all now live in the 21st century which is why our historic district enjoys electricity, water and sewer services, and indoor plumbing (not exactly historic characteristics). At the same time, many historic buildings in that district from homes to churches are prohibited from using some modern materials and technologies to improve energy efficiency and comfort, e.g., triplepane windows, insulated outer doors and super-insulation of building envelopes.

I doubt very much that the residents of 18th century Portsmouth insisted on living in drafty, poorly ventilated and energy inefficient homes. They did not have a choice, but we do.

Many European cities have much older historic buildings (e.g., 2000-year-old Strasbourg, France). Nevertheless, their historic buildings are energy efficient and preserve their external historic character.

Our HDC can do the same, and at the same time support Climate Change efforts and combat energy inefficiency.

Peter Somssich Portsmouth