top of page

Search Results

296 results found with an empty search

Other Pages (75)

  • NEW DRAFT-BUSINES- Become A Member | Clean Energy NH

    Become a Member of CENH Today and support clean energy in the Granite State! BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP We are addressing NH’s high energy rates by promoting innovation and the development of a long-term clean energy policy that will provide business opportunities, attract new industries, and inspire financial investments in the Granite State. Our members represent nearly 20 sectors of the economy, far beyond the energy industry. Joining Clean Energy NH as a member is the most effective way to support the transition to a clean energy economy and help us continue this critical work. Learn more about how CENH is taking action for the business community. MEMBERSHIP ENABLES YOUR TEAM TO: All Business members receive, including the Start-Up Business level: Exclusive access to the Members-only Portal: webpages with members-only information, updates, and resources Access to members-only regulatory and legislative email newsletters Access to CENH’s monthly policy calls during the legislative session (number of employees varies per business level) Access to expert advocacy and policy support on energy policy questions Exhibitor and ticket discounts at the annual Local Energy Solutions (LES) Conference (number of employees varies per business level) Invitation to CENH members-only webinars and events Invitations and discounts to member networking events throughout the year Listing as a valued member in our annual reports Opportunity to participate in our “Member Spotlight” program Exposure through our website and social media channels Logo listed on CENH website and in email newsletter Window cling to display the company’s commitment to clean energy in New Hampshire Ability to post job openings on our website’s career page Discount on CENH merchandise BECOME A MEMBER Nonprofits are eligible for a discounted rate. JOIN NOW JOIN NOW JOIN NOW JOIN NOW JOIN NOW JOIN NOW WHAT OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS SAY 1/17 VISIT OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS

  • NEW DONATE page | Clean Energy NH

    Become a member of Clean Energy NH! Pay for your membership or donate here YOUR DONATION TO CLEAN ENERGY NH Supports Clean energy progress in in the Granite State CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT... Join Us in a New Way! Starting June 1, 2025, Clean Energy NH is moving away from a dues-based membership structure and shifting to a donation-based model. This change is part of a broader effort to make our community more inclusive, accessible, and mission-aligned. With your donation to Clean Energy NH, you are powering the technical assistance we provide to local communities, show support for smart policies that will help New Hampshire residents feel more comfortable in their homes while reducing energy waste, and protect Granite State clean energy businesses, their workforce and their interests at the State House in Concord. Power our work with your gift by donating today! Make a secure, online donation or set-up a sustaining monthly donation. ONE-TIME DONATION OR MONTHLY DONATION If you wish to pay via check, please make checks payable to "Clean Energy NH" and mail to: Clean Energy NH, 125 N. State Street, Concord, NH 03301 Donations submitted through this site are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and are processed in U.S. dollars. The New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association d/b/a Clean Energy NH is a U.S. nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. DONATION BENEFITS DONOR BENEFITS $1 - $49.99 DONOR BENEFITS $50.00+ MONTHLY GIVING Monthly giving is a convenient way to show your support for our organization each month, while being easy on your budget and reducing our fundraising costs. Select 'Make this a monthly donation' via the online donation page . BECOME A MAJOR DONOR As a Major Donor, you're donation allows us with the flexibility to place resources in our greatest area of need. Individuals that make a gift of $500 ($1,000) or more receive special access to expert advocacy and policy support to energy questions, invitations to exclusive meetings, and special acknowledgement on our website. THROUGH A DONOR-ADVISED FUND A donor-advised fund (DAF) is like a charitable investment account that is set up for the sole purpose of supporting charities. Individuals can contribute cash, stocks, or other assets into the DAF and receive an immediate tax deduction. Those funds are invested for tax-free growth and the individual can recommend donations to charities of their choice over time. IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF Provide a gift in honor or memory of a family member or friend. This allows you to provide a gift that shares your commitment to sustainability, and a strong and healthy future for New Hampshire, in another person's name. COMPANY MATCH / WORKPLACE GIVING Many private-sector employers, and state/local/federal government employers offer company matches or workplace giving as an employee benefit. Inquire with your employer if it matches company donations. This may allow for you to double the impact of your gift! Ask a member of Human Resources if you can contribute to Clean Energy NH through a payroll deduction or as an end-of-year contribution.

  • Copy of Circuit Riders Program | Clean Energy NH

    ENERGY CIRCUIT RIDER PROGRAM Our Circuit Rider team provides no cost technical assistance to make NH's energy projects happen "THAT PROGRAM HAS BEEN A GODSEND FOR THE WHOLE NORTH COUNTRY" -Rob Larson, Whitefield Public Works Director Our Projects ECR Resources Our Team Completed and ongoing circuit rider projects The Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) program provides comprehensive no cost technical assistance catered to each community's needs. Circuit Riders assist with creating in depth project plans, writing warrant articles, assisting with grant applications, creating capital reserve funds, town ordinances, and pulling together multiple funding streams to make projects happen. Our team has dedicated staff members operating in most regions of New Hampshire providing assistance to their communities. HOW WE HELP Photo by Cheryl Senter, courtesy of the NH Charitable Foundation 62 Projects completed across NH $4,277,031 In lifetime savings as a result of energy upgrades 51,505,397 Pounds of Carbon Dioxide avoided 115 Towns with completed or ongoing projects SOLAR The Circuit Rider Team has completed 23 solar projects since 2019. We work with communities to find the best site locations, gauge system size, help with zoning and permitting, and have relationships with developers all around NH to find the right fit for your project. WEATHERIZATION The Circuit Rider Team has completed 23 solar projects LIGHTING The Circuit Rider Team has completed 23 solar projects EV CHARGING The Circuit Rider Team has completed 23 solar projects HEAT PUMPS The Circuit Rider Team has completed 23 solar projects TOWN ORDINANCES The Circuit Rider Team has completed 23 solar projects Hear more stories Check out our blog to hear first hand accounts from towns and businesses who have completed their energy projects! Our blog ECR Resources Working With the Best Read More START WITH US! T he ECR team is your go to place to start your energy project. Whether you have questions about how to start projects, how different technologies work, or how to find ways to finance your project, we can help! All of our assistance is NO COST. We meet at our communities where they are at. Email us, call us, or invite us to your energy committee meeting! Contact a team member Our History The Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) Program was created and piloted in Coös County beginning in 2019. The goal of the program was to create a dedicated staff person to provide capacity and expertise to communities to support informed energy decision making. From 2019 to 2022, the North Country Circuit Rider helped more than a dozen communities complete over 30 energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The Circuit Rider Program has helped North Country communities receive more than $1.2 million in incentives and grants, resulting in over $3 million dollars invested in clean energy projects. In 2022, CENH partnered with the Monadnock Sustainability Hub and others to add a Monadnock Energy Circuit Rider. Since then, the program has expanded to cover Rockingham, Strafford, and Sullivan counties as well. The Energy Circuit Rider program also supports small businesses, including farms. In early 2022, a new kind of Energy Circuit Rider was added, specifically to provide similar technical assistance to small businesses in the North Country. In 2024, CENH received a three-year USDA grant to expand that program statewide, specifically to assist small businesses (including farms) in applying for USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) . An Energy Circuit Rider is a shared staff person providing services to multiple cities and towns across a region. The CENH Energy Circuit Riders help municipalities and small businesses 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 and business owners, Energy Circuit Riders provide capacity and expertise to support informed decision making. Read more information about the pro gram here. ENERGY CIRCUIT RIDER TEAM SARAH BROCK Energy Circuit Rider Program Director sarah@cleanenergynh.org MELISSA ELANDER Energy Circuit Rider (North Country) melissa@cleanenergynh.org KATRIN KASPER Energy Circuit Rider (Seacoast Region) katrin@cleanenergynh.org DOUG COGAN Energy Circuit Rider (Sullivan County) doug@cleanenergynh.org FRANK RICHTER Energy Circuit Rider (Monadnock Region) frank@cleanenergynh.org GABE CHELIUS Small Business Energy Circuit Rider gabriel@cleanenergynh.org KATHARINE CUSACK Small Business Energy Circuit Rider katharine@cleanenergynh.org

View All

Events (143)

View All

Blog Posts (66)

  • 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 .

  • Community-Driven Progress Powers Energy Savings in Randolph

    In the town of Randolph, a big idea began with a request. Yvonne Jenkins, a dedicated Randolph resident and Town Librarian, approached the selectboard with a vision: installing solar panels on the local library . The selectboard encouraged her to look into how it could be implemented, setting off a remarkable journey that would lead to significant energy savings. (photo credit: Randolph Public Library) The Power of Community Support Yvonne wasn’t alone in her pursuit. Fellow resident Rick Umiker shared her enthusiasm for solar energy. With determination and a little help from Clean Energy NH’s Energy Circuit Rider Melissa Elander , who provided examples and technical support, they drafted a warrant article to create and fund a Energy Efficiency Capital Reserve Fund — all within a single day.  The fund was created “for the purpose of covering costs or to seek matching grants related to increasing energy efficiency”. They quickly gathered signatures from neighbors, earning their spot in the town report. When the day of the vote arrived, the response was unanimous: The town would move forward on solar and energy efficiency.  "The CRF was a game changer," Rick explained. "Having a designated fund meant we could plan for the long-term, ensuring that our energy projects had financial backing. It also showed the town’s commitment to reducing energy costs and embracing sustainability." The CRF was approved with strong community support, giving the selectboard confidence to approve further projects. It also allowed the town to leverage additional funding and rebates, amplifying their impact.  That pivotal vote wasn’t just a win for clean energy projects in Randolph: it also sparked a wave of community involvement. Resident Howie Wemyss and two other residents eagerly joined Yvonne and Rick’s efforts to establish the Randolph Energy Committee. One major milestone was the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) through a petitioned warrant article. The CRF would serve as a dedicated financial resource to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within the town, controlled by the town rather than an outside funding source.  The Committee wrote a detailed description of the benefits of the CRF for the official town report, and connected with residents that already utilized solar within their households to garner support for establishing the fund. “We were learning on the go, but during the first town meeting we saw so many people who were receptive to the idea,” Yvonne said. “It was really heartening to see.”  Lessons in Efficiency Before diving into the solar project, the Energy Committee prioritized making town buildings as energy-efficient as possible. A lighting audit for the library and town hall revealed opportunities for significant savings. The results were undeniable: within the first year, the town saved 40% on its energy bill without dipping into reserves. The success of the lighting project built trust and further momentum for the solar initiative. Solar Installation (photo taken by Edith Tucker) The Energy Committee continued to learn more as they explored additional energy efficiency projects including energy audits, weatherization upgrades, and the installation of heat pumps. "Find the right people, like Clean Energy NH or a knowledgeable energy auditor. Don’t feel like you have to be an expert in energy — just plan to work with the right people," Yvonne advised. Keeping the Selectboard Informed The Energy Committee recognized that clear communication with the selectboard was essential to moving these projects forward. They sent meeting minutes, extended invitations, and sought approvals at every key decision point. Demonstrating the financial benefits was particularly effective, and the immediate savings from interior lighting and street lighting upgrades reinforced the value of these projects for the town. Facing Challenges and Adapting Not every step was easy. An application to the Northern Border Regional Commission grant program was unsuccessful, and progress sometimes felt frustratingly slow. Yet, the team stayed the course, and used it as a learning experience. They regrouped, identified other funding opportunities, and doubled down on community engagement. Their commitment paid off. A separate insulation project for the library, completed with town funding, a library grant, and rebates from Eversource was a major win for the Committee. As Rick reflected, "I thought we’d have solar panels in six months. But keeping our eyes on the prize, even when it felt distant, was worth it. Gaining the support of the community and selectboard made all the difference." Celebrating Success When the solar panels were finally installed, the town of Randolph didn’t just check it off the list: they celebrated. Residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the local newspaper captured the moment. Celebrating the Solar Installment (photo taken by Yvonne Jenkins) The excitement over the possibilities for clean energy projects didn’t stop at Randolph’s town line. Neighboring towns, inspired by the success, began exploring their own clean energy projects. Calls poured in asking how they could replicate Randolph’s approach. The project’s success sparked conversations and action well beyond the town’s borders. Words of Wisdom The Randolph Energy Committee members offer simple but powerful advice for other communities: Document Your Results: Track your savings and milestones to demonstrate impact. Be Flexible: Plans will shift: make the most of unexpected opportunities that arise. Stay Consistent:  Even during slow months, keep the committee meetings on the books. New ideas often emerge in conversation, and regular meetings help advance progress! Celebrate Every Win:  Publicly acknowledge progress, big or small. Recognition fuels momentum.

  • Major Milestone for Plymouth: Town Flips the Switch on Solar Power

    Written by Grace Garvey, Former Chair of the Plymouth Energy Commission As of December 19th, 2024, the Quincy Road PV solar array is online and producing clean energy! For those of you who do not know the history, the initial idea of this type of local power plant was incubated by the Plymouth Energy Commission (PEC) a decade or so ago. After Covid and some inactivity, the PEC revisited this idea and decided to either permanently park the conversation or move it forward. Move it forward the PEC did!   After a lot of research and back and forth presentations to the Selectboard, the PEC wrote a 2022 warrant which passed and gave the PEC a green light to research options and funding for a municipal solar array project. The PEC wrote another warrant for the 2023 Town Meeting focused on funding and construction of the solar array. This 2023 warrant passed by over 90% of the votes. The town then signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Barrington Power (BP). The PEC worked with BP to nail down the location on Quincy Road and to plan an array large enough to generate power to offset 70% of municipal building electricity usage requirements. The Quincy Road site is ideal because it was already owned by the town, has excellent southern exposure and consists of an open field which required minimal site work before construction.   Modeling shows a 1st year revenue of $22,000 and over $1,000,000 revenue during the 35-year anticipated life of the solar PV array. This is a net revenue, above and beyond loan payments and any costs related to insurance, operation, and maintenance.   The Municipality of Plymouth is eligible for a 30% elective pay credit through the Inflation Reduction Act and possibly an additional 10% because Plymouth qualifies for a low-income bonus credit. The Town will also receive a $10,000 rebate from the Public Utilities Commission. Aerial Image of the Array On December 16, 2024, the town celebrated with warm beverages and snacks in the airport building. The celebration ended with a ribbon cutting and a tour of the array.  Representatives from the offices of Senator Maggie Hassan and US Representative Ann McLane Kuster attended, along with Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, NH State Representatives Peter Lovett and Janet Lucas, town employees, past and current members of the PEC, and many members of the public.   Summary of Benefits to the Town: Dependable financial gain for the town of Plymouth Renewable energy investment Decreased carbon footprint Federal support through Inflation Reduction Act Optimum utilization of town-owned land Alignment with the town’s ecotourism vision Alignment with Town declaration of a “Climate Emergency” Alignment with two sections of Plymouth’s Master Plan   Thanks to many – to name just a few supporters:   *Highway Department for plowing out the airport parking array for the December 16, 2024 ribbon cutting celebration *Colin McIver, Airport Manager for hosting us *Carol Niewola & Colin McIver who helped navigate the FAA clearance to construct across from the airport *Scott Weden Town Manager & Anne Abear Town Finance Director who tirelessly helped to see this project over the finish line *Ted Vansant and Jack Bingham from Barrington Power who helped work through all the details and GCed the build *All past and present Selectboard members, particularly Bill Bolton who was our rock star and our SB liaison *The Town Voters * New Hampshire Electric Cooperative who was open to the town connecting a PV array with a design that did not fit into a neat box * Clean Energy NH * Community Development Finance Authority , particularly Scott Maslansky *Those who negotiated the Build Back Better Act through which we will get elective pay funds to help pay for the project

View All
bottom of page