Berkshire Forum to Host 'Cleantech: Building Sustainable Communities'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Forum’s “Cleantech: Building Sustainable Communities” panel will take place on the Colonial Theatre stage on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 8:20 a.m. The panel will be moderated by WAMC Berkshire Bureau Chief Charlie Deitz, and Spencer Reiss of Wired magazine will be the commentator.

Confirmed panel participants include Alan Cummings, co-founder and CEO of Seldon Technologies in Windsor, Vt., Tyler Fairbank, CEO of EOS Ventures LLC in Hancock, Steve Nelson, president and CEO of Solar Electric Service Corp in Washington, and Stephen Sears, principal of Berkshire Renewable Power LLC in Dalton.

Cummings’s company, Seldon Technologies, is the creator of world-leading nanotechnology filtration products capable of cleaning water, air and fuel without the use of heat, chemicals, power, ultraviolet light or contact time. Seldon's water filtration products function at a high flow rate to EPA drinking water standards and are saving lives around the world.

Fairbank’s EOS Ventures is a renewable energy development company focused on solar and wind technologies. His team has completed the first and only privately owned megawatt class turbine in the nation for on-site energy usage.

Sears is working to build and operate a bio-fuel and electrical generation facility at Ashuelot Park located in the town of Dalton and City of Pittsfield. The bio-fuel created would be distributed for use locally to displace fossil fuels and provide electricity through diesel generators. And, Nelson’s Solar Electric Service Corporation is a start-up company launching in the Berkshires to make the benefits of solar power affordable to the average citizen. 

An inaugural rate of $49.99 for the entire three-day 2010 Berkshire Forum event is currently being offered to the community, with an additional discount available to members of all area Chambers of Commerce (by phone or in person at the Colonial box office). Educators and students will be offered complimentary seating with the presentation of a teacher/student ID, subject to availability.

Tickets are on sale now through www.TheBerkshireForum.com or by calling the Colonial box office at 413-997-4444.
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Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
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