The Manager's report back on public utilities' load forecasting and infrastructure planning

The information below is provided in response to Awaiting Report 19-127, dated October 7, 2019, regarding the establishment of a process for regularly scheduled public discussions between the City of Cambridge and representatives from Eversource, the Water Department, Comcast, Verizon and others in order to inform the City and the public about topics such as load forecasting and related infrastructure planning and improvements in Cambridge. The purpose of this process would be to ensure that long-range infrastructure planning is being undertaken consistent with City goals and in the best interest of Cambridge residents.

City staff have spoken to utility providers and propose the following two-tier process to ensure strong and formalized collaboration and communication.

Annual Public Presentations In a format similar to the Town-Gown report presentations by educational institutions, staff will coordinate with the major utility service providers to convene annual public presentations. The goal is to provide an opportunity to inform the public and facilitate dialogue about utility services in the city. The presentations will include service demand projections, load forecasting, infrastructure improvement plans, energy conservation programs, and other relevant topics. Public comment will be included.

Given the specific focus and expertise of the entities, we propose that there will be two sets of public presentations:

• Planning Board – presentations by Eversource (gas and electric), the Department of Public Works (sewers and stormwater infrastructure), and the Water Department (water supply) 2
• Pole & Conduit Commission – presentations by Verizon (internet) and Comcast (cable and internet)

Bi-Annual Staff Meetings In addition to the annual presentations, City staff will schedule bi-annual meetings with the major utility providers to improve communication, cooperation, and coordination around long-term planning and development issues as well as anticipated infrastructure improvements in the city. These meetings would also serve to prepare for the annual presentations before the Planning Board and Pole & Conduit Commission and would include key staff from the Community Development Department, Department of Public Works, Water Department, Electrical Department, staff from the Pole and Conduit Commission, and others, as needed.