The Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) Program was created and piloted in Coös County beginning in 2019. Over the past three years, the North Country Circuit Rider has helped more than a dozen communities complete more than 30 energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The program has helped the communities to receive more than $500,000 worth of incentives and grants, which have resulted in more than $2 million dollars of investment in clean energy projects.

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The Energy Circuit Rider is a shared staff person providing services to multiple cities and towns across a region. The Energy Circuit Riders help municipalities plan, finance, and implement energy-saving upgrades to buildings and infrastructure, as well as clean energy technologies such as renewable energy or electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Working side-by-side with municipal officials, ECRs provide capacity and expertise to support informed decision-making.

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Under the North Country Energy Circuit Rider program, Melissa Elander acts as an additional staff person for communities in Coös County, helping communities implement energy projects that reduce operating costs and improve sustainability. Melissa works with municipalities and schools in Shelburne, Stratford, Whitefield, Columbia, Gorham, Pittsburg, Bethlehem, Randolph, and Colebrook. 

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Long-term, CENH intends to expand the ECR program statewide. However, currently our service is available to all municipalities in Coös County and the Monadnock Region, and small businesses in Coös County. We intend to expand to other regions in New Hampshire, and are actively seeking out funding sources to grow the ECR team. Municipalities will be selected for participation based on need and willingness to work collaboratively to realize the benefits of local energy projects in their communities.

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Read more information about the program here.

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To learn more about the ECR Program, please contact Clean Energy NH’s Executive Director, Sam Evans-Brown at sam@cleanenergynh.org.