Driving Change: How Lee Used Clean Energy Grants to Power a Smarter Fleet

In a town like Lee, every piece of equipment — every truck, plow, and spreader — plays an important role in keeping daily operations running smoothly. From clearing the roads during snowstorms to supporting construction projects and park maintenance, these vehicles are a pillar in the community’s operations. 

For years, Lee’s Highway Department relied on two hard-working trucks dating back to 1996 and 2001, one of which had a 1998 motor. But after years of service, even the best equipment starts to wear out. Breakdowns became more common, repairs more expensive, and keeping up with the work, especially through the winter, got harder and harder. Dealing with the aging vehicles started to cause delays and headaches for staff and community members, and put public safety and basic town operations on hold. 

Loading up the old trucks

As one team member put it:

"We got our money’s worth out of them, but you don’t realize how much you needed new trucks until you finally have them."

Facing growing maintenance challenges and rising costs, town leaders began looking for a solution without putting extra strain on taxpayers.

That solution came through the Granite State Clean Fleets Grant Program, a partnership that gave Lee the chance to replace two aging trucks with brand-new, fully-outfitted vehicles, saving the town thousands of dollars and breathing new life into their public works fleet.

When the grant became available, Energy Circuit Rider Katrin Kasper leapt on the opportunity to assist the town in applying for the grant. 

“Working as an Energy Circuit Rider, we know that small changes add up to big savings. When we take an old inefficient vehicle off the road and replace it with a newer, cleaner, and more efficient model, everyone wins. 

Thanks to this grant, the town was able to purchase these essential trucks years earlier than expected. That not only lowered the upfront cost burden but also reduced long-term operational expenses, avoiding the high cost of maintaining aging trucks. For just a fraction of the usual cost, the town got a brand-new vehicle that’s cleaner, more efficient, and dependable—something employees and residents can count on when it matters most.”

Lee’s grant journey officially began in September 2023, when the town learned about the opportunity through Clean Energy NH’s Energy Circuit Rider program. With a tight deadline looming, the town quickly teamed up with CENH to complete the application. Lee’s DPW staff provided the needed information while Clean Energy NH supported the construction of the application, ensuring the town could put in a strong, competitive application without overwhelming its staff.

Their work paid off. On December 11, 2023, Lee was awarded funding for not just one, but two brand-new, fully outfitted trucks. Originally, the town had applied for two and hoped to receive funding for a single replacement vehicle; winning two was a major victory, saving Lee hundreds of thousands of dollars and strengthening their fleet for years to come.

Viewing Lee's New Trucks

By the end of December, the first truck had already been delivered, ready to tackle critical tasks like snow plowing, salting, and year-round public works projects. The trucks were fully equipped to go, with the necessary attachments that allow for greater versatility in town operations.

And they did it all at a fraction of the cost: Instead of paying over $500,000 for two new trucks, Lee only needed to budget about $97,000 — with the grant covering the rest.

As Ben Lyons, a truck driver for Lee’s Public Works Department explained:

"It sure helps the budget out a lot. You don't have to save for years and years in capital reserve funds. You can get a vehicle right away — and save the taxpayers money."

Peter Hoyt, a mechanic who has worked for the town for over 27 years commented: 

 "We live here in town, too. We’re taxpayers ourselves, so this directly affects us."

How the NH Department of Environmental Services Helps Towns Like Lee Access Funding

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) works to make it easier for towns, businesses, and transit agencies to connect with funding for cleaner, more reliable vehicles. When the first round of this program opened in 2023, 14 projects across New Hampshire — including the town of Lee — were awarded grants to replace aging vehicles, improve air quality in their communities, and strengthen their operational capabilities.

The process is designed to be clear and supportive. First, communities review the Request for Proposals (RFP) to understand the rules, then submit an application. After that, the NHDES team reviews, scores, and works closely with successful applicants to create a grant agreement. It’s a multi-step process, but towns aren’t left on their own — NHDES is there to help every step of the way.

Even if there’s no funding available at the moment, NHDES keeps past program information posted online. That way, towns can get a head start by learning the basics, checking eligibility, and being ready when the next round opens. (Tip: even if the program is closed, it’s smart to read through the RFP and start planning early! Receive updates on funding opportunities here.)

NHDES also helps clear up common questions, like the difference between vehicle classes or emissions tiers, and reminds towns about the benefits of working to have local funding approved before submitting a project.

At the end of the day, this funding isn’t just about buying new trucks. It’s about improving the everyday lives of town employees, boosting reliability, saving taxpayer dollars, and making our air a little cleaner for everyone. Plus, these grants can even help fill funding gaps when local or federal dollars don’t quite cover everything.

Lee’s story shows what’s possible when small towns take advantage of well-designed grant programs with the right support. By upgrading its fleet through the Granite State Clean Fleets program, Lee not only improved reliability and safety, it protected its budget and its residents. It's a clear reminder that cleaner, cost-saving solutions are within reach for communities across the Granite State. 

Have Questions? Email Energy Circuit Rider Katrin Kasper at katrin@cleanenergynh.org.