Search Results

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. Click here to check out our video on the 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 .

Written by Jason Plant, Co-Founder of Green Lightning Energy Sometimes, the best business ideas come from solving the problems right in front of you. For us, it was watching our moms get quoted sky-high prices for solar panel installation. They believed in the benefits of clean energy, but the cost was a serious barrier. So, my friend Kadin Burns and I put our heads together and built a solution that saved them tens of thousands and sparked the beginning of Green Lightning Energy , a company born from the drive to make solar simple and accessible. Our  first media spotlight  came from Clean Energy NH’s Young Professionals in Energy (YPIE) program, which gave us a platform early on to connect with other clean energy advocates and members of the clean energy community.  Since then, we have expanded our business throughout New Hampshire, hired our first employee (shoutout to Miles Drum, our amazing Director of Sales!), expanded to commercial projects, and most recently, we have become a Certified B Corporation ! Certified B Corporations are leaders of a global movement of people using business as a force for good. By reaching the goals of the certification, these organizations have reached the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability by implementing key sustainability initiatives that combat greenwashing. Becoming B Corp Certified offers a stamp of approval from a reliable and trustworthy third-party source. Perhaps most importantly, the certification also serves to catalyze the larger movement for the business community to shift its primary objective from maximizing shareholder value to providing value for all  stakeholders affected by business: workers, customers, suppliers, local communities, and the planet. Despite having taken a handful of companies through the certification process as a student consultant in the University of New Hampshire’s B Impact Clinic , it was a completely different challenge to navigate the certification for our own company. We had to come to terms with an obstacle I had seen many clients face before: we got very few points for each positive answer on the assessment. By design, this forced us to take a hard look at our entire business and find incremental ways to improve our impact in every functional area and for every stakeholder we touch. Luckily, we found that in many cases, instead of trading profitability for purpose, we were able to find win-win solutions that helped us grow the business and  helped us scale our impact.  My favorite example is our Solar Horizons Program , which gives a significant discount to Low Socioeconomic Status (SES) Individuals (as defined by making lower than a living wage according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator) and US Veterans. It solved a key problem for our business in that we often met with customers who, despite our affordable pricing model, still could not afford solar. This kind of initiative is especially timely as New Hampshire explores new approaches to broaden access to clean energy - like community power programs, ratepayer-funded incentives through NHSaves , and ongoing legislative discussions about solar access for low-income households. Programs like Solar Horizons help ensure that the benefits of solar aren’t just for the well-off - they’re for everyone. The Solar Horizons Program gave us a mechanism to support the customers who needed it the most, and justify why we gave them much lower pricing than we would normally allow. In addition to solving this problem in our business, the program also granted us several points on the B Impact Assessment in the Community section. This is just one of the many, many examples of how the B Corp Certification helped us brainstorm ways that we could improve our impact and  our underlying business at the same time! What’s Next? Our company became certified just before B Lab - the independent nonprofit that created and administers the B Corp Certification - released an entirely new framework. While we expect this framework to challenge us even more than their original assessment did as we prepare to recertify, we now know from experience that it will only inspire deeper, more innovative ideas for how to improve the outcomes our business creates for our stakeholders.  We are lucky to have amassed a small but mighty community around our venture that we know we can count on for valuable feedback and ideas on how we can improve. Chief among them are our moms, who have supported us not just since the beginning of our company, but the beginning of our lives! They continue to actively support our business and give us some of our best ideas. It is thanks to our mothers, and their belief in us from the very beginning, that we continue to make solar more affordable and pursue our dreams of being successful entrepreneurs. About the Author: Jason Plant is a serial social entrepreneur with ventures spanning from clean water to clean energy to semiconductor. His B Corp Certified solar installation company, Green Lightning Energy, has made high quality solar installations affordable for customers all across New England. He proudly serves his community as a nonprofit Board Member for the NH Toy Library and Ideas by Youth.

Tucked away in Milford, New Hampshire, Wilkins Lumber has been milling wood since the late 1700s, weathering generations of change in the industry. But recently, the family-run business made a bold leap: they went solar. And it all started with a simple motivation: reducing their carbon footprint and saving money. A Legacy of Innovation Wilkins Lumber’s story is steeped in history. Originally powered by water from a canal-fed pond, the mill eventually pivoted to steam, and then became one of the first corporate users of electricity in the region. But as energy costs began to skyrocket, the family realized it was time to innovate once again. Wilkins Lumber Mill (photo credit: Wilkins Lumber) “We wanted to relieve some of the financial burden before passing things on to the next generation,” explained Sally Wilkins. “Electricity had become an increasingly large expense,  and we saw solar as a way to take back control.” The idea wasn’t a new one for Wilkins. They first looked into solar back in 2010 but were deterred by the upfront costs. Then, years later, Andrea O’Brien  of the Small Business Development Center helped connect them with Scott Malansky and the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) team to set up an energy audit. That connection changed everything. Sally would go on herself to write and apply for the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)  program.  The REAP Grant: A Path Forward Applying for the REAP grant was no small feat. “There’s a lot of technical parts to the application,” Sally admits. “I had to bring in help; my daughter, who has a background in financial analysis, pulled together the projections and payback timelines. And we had great support in filling in the language we needed for the application.” Solar Carport at Wilkins Lumber Even with help, there were hurdles. Lost paperwork, confusing federal processes, and tangled communication with project implementers plagued the early months. Still, they pushed forward with a contractor who thought creatively about implementation, suggesting a solar carport  instead of a fenced-in array, which would house boards underneath and not take up additional space. The result? A system that integrates seamlessly into the millyard’s operations, with excess energy going back to the grid. When the system first went live, there was a small but powerful moment that Sally recounts: the saw hit the log—and the lights didn’t dim. In the lumber business, that’s the kind of progress you can feel. The project also supported the local economy, with local contractors being brought in to implement creative solutions while giving Wilkins Lumber more energy independence, creating a win-win situation.  Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead Wilkins Lumber’s journey into solar wasn’t without stress, but the rewards are ten-fold. Their advice to other businesses? Don’t assume you need all the money up front.  REAP grants and CDFA loans can make solar a reality. Find the right partners.  Wilkins mentions seeking technical assistance from organizations Clean Energy NH and forward-thinking contractors like Net Zero Renewable Resources . Get local officials on board early.  Especially in small towns, having buy-in from local stakeholders (and keeping extra physical documentation!) can save you headaches later. Start exploring.  Quotes, options, and conversations with experienced providers go a long way. Wilkins Lumber’s solar project proves that innovation doesn’t have to mean leaving the past behind. It can mean honoring it, building on it, while adapting to meet today’s challenges.

When Peterborough residents voted overwhelmingly (74%!) to adopt the town’s first Renewable Energy Plan in May of 2021, they voted for action, accountability, and a cleaner energy future for their town. Now, just a couple of years later, that vision is taking shape in the form of electric vehicles (EVs) rolling into town departments—and they’re only the beginning. The town’s Renewable Energy Plan  was spearheaded by the Peterborough Renewable Energy Planning (PREP) group, with critical support from the town’s Peterborough Energy Committee (PEC) and enthusiastic buy-in from voters and municipal leaders. The plan laid out clear steps to reach the goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2030, including hiring an energy coordinator, conducting energy audits, and electrifying town fleets. Now, two of Peterborough’s departments, the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Police Department, are leading the way with new EVs that are already proving their value. Town of Peterborough (Source: Peterborough Renewable Energy Plan) The town’s first electric work vehicle, a Ford Lightning F-150, was delivered to the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the winter of 2023. Despite some uncertainty by townsfolk, it survived (and thrived) through a New England winter. “It’s been a great success so far,” says Trisha Cheever, the town’s Energy & Community Coordinator. The vehicle has not only helped reduce emissions and idling pollution, its success has also eased any uncertainties among town employees. With many of the Peterborough’s staff not having experience with an EV before, there were some concerns about cold weather performance. Now that the Wastewater crew can speak from firsthand experience: the vehicle has become a great example for other departments as well as other towns on how EVs can benefit their work. The Wastewater superintendent is such a fan that he's actively helping Trisha advocate for similar upgrades in other departments. The town’s newest EV addition—a Chevy Blazer for the Police Department—serves as a transport vehicle for attending court and community meetings. This car isn't a patrol vehicle, but rather serves as a crucial part of day-to-day police operations. Police Chief Scott Guinard has conveyed positive feedback about the vehicle, and looks forward to finishing retrofitting the car with police equipment, and appropriate decals—including a “100% electric” graphic. In an effort to prolong its service for the town, the car is anticipated to eventually be handed down to the town’s Code Enforcement Officer once it ‘ages out’ at approximately 100,000 miles, extending its lifecycle and maximizing the town’s investment. One of the most exciting aspects in Peterborough’s approach is how resident input is guiding municipal decisions. Peterborough’s energy planning isn’t happening in a silo within the town offices. The town is supported by three major energy-focused groups : Peterborough Renewable Energy Project (PREP)  which focuses on residential engagement, Peterborough Energy Committee  which works with municipal data and planning, Peterborough   Community Power Committee , which oversees implementation and management of the town’s Community Power Plan, and its participation in the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire. More recently they have begun to manage a program where a small energy adder builds a Discretionary Reserve Fund for Peterborough’s future energy efficiency upgrades. Thanks to efforts by Trisha, town officials, and community supporters and committees, there’s now a feedback loop where townsfolk can voice their clean energy priorities, which are then used to inform and shape departmental focus.  In addition to EVs being introduced to the town, there’s talk of adding more solar across the town, following the implementation of solar on both the Department of Public Works and Contoocook Valley Regional High School  roofs. Suggested sites include the new Fire Station, Peterborough Community Center, and pump stations in town. There’s also talk of pairing solar panels and battery storage at the new fire station building, an exciting sign of what’s to come. While fluctuating material costs might affect final decisions, the momentum and conversations are already underway, driven by the availability of state and federal funding, future community power revenue, and active monitoring from the Peterborough Energy Committee. Peterborough is proving that a community-led energy plan can drive real, tangible results. By investing in collaboration, economic efficiency, and long-term thinking, the town is powering a future that is cleaner, smarter, and aligned to residents’ values.

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.

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

When Josh Green took a six-week grant writing class in Keene, he had no idea it would lead to a historic moment for the Town of Hinsdale . Less than a year later, Hinsdale secured $200,000 for its first-ever solar project, bringing long-term energy savings and sustainability to the community. As Josh stepped into his role as Community Development Coordinator, he knew Hinsdale had untapped potential but understood that making a meaningful impact would require access to the right resources. In late 2023, he and newly appointed Town Administrator, Kathryn Lynch, enrolled in a six-week grant writing course. Having to choose a grant to focus on writing during the course, Josh sought to use his new skills to apply for the NH Department of Energy (NH DOE)’s Municipal Solar Grant . His project centered on proposing the implementation of a PV (photovoltaic) solar array at the Hinsdale transfer station.   Proposed placement of the Hinsdale solar array “I was fortunate because the request for proposals (RFP) for Municipal Solar kept getting delayed, which allowed me ample time to prepare a strong grant application,” he states. “The classes taught by Suzanne Bansley in Keene were excellent, and I highly recommend them.”  Josh is driven by a deep commitment to strengthening his community and paving the way for a more sustainable future. He explains how his interest in energy efficient projects that benefit the town, along with key support from others, helped bring the project to life: “As a Community Development Coordinator, my passion is to make Hinsdale as energy-efficient as possible. In my view, the town lacks a future vision for infrastructure. I received invaluable assistance from Clean Energy NH circuit riders John Kondos and Frank Richter. John initially helped me select a suitable location for the solar project, and after his retirement, Frank took over. I could not have completed the grant application without their support, and I am extremely grateful for all their hard work.” Their efforts paid off. After submitting their proposal in early August 2024, Hinsdale was awarded $200,000 by the NH DOE through the grant program on September 17, 2024. “When we received notification of the award, I was in disbelief—I was so excited! This is a historic moment for the Town of Hinsdale, as we will be receiving solar arrays for the first time.”   The arrays are projected to save approximately $20,000 to $25,000 annually in electricity costs over the next 25 to 30 years. This is a significant benefit for a small town of 4,000 residents. The impact will help Hinsdale become less reliant on the grid, resulting in lower energy bills and enhanced energy security—ensuring a stable and sustainable power source for residents. Solar energy is a renewable resource that does not emit any of the pollutants that traditional energy sources do, leading to cleaner air and water and improved public health.  The solar grant didn’t just bring funding, it also sparked teamwork across departments. Implementing cross-department collaboration, with the Highway Department and Transfer Station, for example, helped provide a different perspective and set of expertise that determined the best siting opportunities and rollout for the project’s implementation. Josh also cited the benefits of working with reliable solar companies such as Barrington Power , to help guide the town towards the best options for their proposal.  The momentum for other projects has already started. Conversations about solar and energy efficiency are spreading, from solar arrays on the sewer plant’s roof to implementing energy efficient lighting at the local school. Even the town hall is undergoing an energy efficiency audit with NHSaves . “There’s so much opportunity to improve on the existing structures we have,” Josh states.  The town is currently waiting, along with all other New Hampshire communities awarded Municipal Solar Grant money, for the grant to be administered through the NH DOE. When the time comes, the town will be ready to continue the momentum. “The town’s current administration has a passion to move this town forward,” says Josh. “The future vision hasn’t been here for many years, and projects like this spark possibilities for that future into life. We’re ready to continue moving forwards.”

The majority of the participants in the docket that will determine the future of the local renewable energy industry agree to leave net metering in place unchanged. Nearly all of the parties in the latest net metering docket  have come to agreement as to what the future of the policy that supports local distributed energy generation will be. For those interested in reading the complete settlement agreement, you can find it linked here , but here is the abbreviated version of what the settling parties are asking the Commission to do: The current net metering structure, which was established in 2017 , shall remain in place for a period of at least two years.  Two years after the release of the Commission’s order in this docket, the utilities shall propose new Net Metering Time of Use Rates.   New projects that take part in the net metering program shall be allowed to do so for a period of 20 years , after which point they will transition onto whatever new tariffs are available at that time.  The utilities shall create a new system of application fees  for net metered projects to reduce the administrative costs borne by non-net-metering customers. These fees range from $200 to $1,000 per project.  The utilities shall commence  an 18-month period of data collection,  which will gather more information regarding net metering generation profiles, customer consumption trends, and other necessary information to make wise decisions about the future of net metering in the next docket.  Why did the settling parties decide on these terms?  It’s valuable to consider the context. As a result of cuts to the net metering program in 2017 , New Hampshire already has the lowest net metering reimbursement rate in New England. Local solar in NH is credited at around 10 cents per kWh for large projects, and 14.7 cents per kWh for excess generation smaller ones. In Maine projects are paid between 13 and 25 cents per kWh, and in Vermont the rate is 16 cents per kWh. In Southern New England the reimbursement rates are even higher. Unlike the surrounding states, New Hampshire has a very “ thrifty and frugal ” net metering program. The settlement comes following the release of the Value of Distributed Energy Resources report in 2022 , which found that there is  no “unreasonable” cost-shifting occurring  as a result of net metering. CENH’s testimony  suggests that the reverse may actually be true, and local generation may be  decreasing electricity rates for all consumers . The utilities themselves agree  that net metering should be allowed to remain in place, a position that surprised  industry watchers across the country, and local renewable projects are helping to reinvest in the grid by paying for needed upgrades to distribution system as they interconnect.  The settling parties include almost all of the participants in the docket. The only participating parties that have remained outside of the settlement are doing so for slightly diverging points of view. The Community Power Coalition would like to see  a system that creates a time-varying net metering price signal put into place sooner rather than later, and the Department of Energy simply wants status quo . No party has argued for cuts to net metering. But perhaps most importantly, for the first time in decades, energy growth is forecast to grow rapidly in New England . We are going to need all of the electrons we can get our hands on, and for better or worse, smaller-scale distributed generation is much easier to get built  than large centralized power plants, which have a tendency to attract local pushback and litigation. The settlement agreement represents a common-sense approach to net metering policy that fits with New Hampshire’s history and context. This is not a state with large amounts of solar power already deployed, so there is no imminent need to move away from net metering towards a more administratively complicated tariff as of this time. However, in recognition of the fact that as variable renewable energy deployment increases, it will be increasingly important to move towards more flexible rate designs that differentiate the value of an electron based on when it is delivered, the settlement provides a date certain by which the utilities will submit a proposal to do just that. If adopted, this settlement would proactively move us towards that future, while at the same time not snuffing out the market for distributed generation. The settlement will only take effect if the PUC issues an order adopting the proposed recommendations. The PUC hearing in August regarding the docket is cruical in determining whether these recommendations are implemented. For a deeper dive into how NEM impacts you and your community , and how you can lend your voice to the effort to preserve and strengthen NEM in NH, explore our NEM webpage and factsheet .

New analysis by Clean Energy New Hampshire shows that allowing homeowners to sell excess electricity from solar panels back to the grid through the policy known as “net metering” decreases electric rates even for people who don’t own solar. According to the testimony of Tom Beach of Crossborder Energy , the avoided system costs that result from deploying local small-scale renewable energy generation substantially outweigh the costs of net-metering, which means the Granite State could afford to pay solar customers more for their generation, and still reduce non-solar customers electric bills by an average of $8 million a year. For context, later this year the New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC), will decide how much those who generate local renewable electricity should be compensated for the energy they export to grid. This decision will occur in PUC Docket No. DE 22-060 , and a negative decision could put solar out of reach for many Granite Staters, hurting both our economy and environment. In that proceeding Clean Energy NH is proposing an expansion of the current net-energy metering (NEM) credit issued to New Hampshire residents, businesses, cities and towns for the clean energy they generate. Our proposal is a modest increase of the NEM rate for residential customers that would amount to about a 2.5 cent per kWh increase. Under our proposal, non-solar customers in Eversource service territory alone would save $123 million dollars between 2021 and 2023. Early next year, the New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC), will decide on how much those who generate local renewable electric power should be compensated for the clean energy they export on to the electric grid. This decision will occur in PUC Docket No.   DE 22-060 , and a negative decision could put solar out of reach for many Granite Staters, hurting both our economy and environment. “Net-Energy Metering” is a mechanism that for decades has been the bedrock of the economics that allow homeowners, municipalities, and businesses to install solar. For each kilowatt hour (kWh) of extra electricity that the small generators produced, they would receive a credit on their account . This credit ensures that small and mid-sized solar generators get fair value for their energy and investment. Previously, solar customers received a credit that was equal to the full kWh rate of electricity, but following a decision by the public utilities commission in 2017 that rate was decreased   because of concerns that net-metering would increase electric rates. The previous rate is now referred to as NEM 1.0, and the current rate is called NEM 2.0. Critics of solar have claimed that the credits for excess solar energy generation represents a cost shift to electric customers who don’t own solar. These critics claimed that when solar customers reduce their bill, non-solar customers have to pick up the slack and pay for the fixed costs of the electric grid. However, our most recent analysis flips that argument on its head, and finds that local clean energy systems not only aren’t a burden on ratepayers but in fact directly benefit them. Obviously, purchasing solar panels for a home or business results in a decrease in electric bills. These savings are a result of the solar arrays largely replacing the value of the electricity that would have otherwise been purchased. However, our analysis shows that when your neighbors buy solar panels, you also experience a reduction in your bill, even if you never go solar. Based on this analysis, CENH is recommending that NEM 3.0 should increase the compensation that solar customers receive for their excess generation. Even after increasing the NEM credit, our proposal will save non-solar customers approximately $8 million per year and $123 million between now and 2035. That’s $123 million dollars that will stay in the New Hampshire economy rather than be “exported” to pay for out of state fuel sources.  The CENH proposal will improve the economics of distributed generation, which will mean more investments in local renewable energy generation, allowing the industry to grow at a sustainable rate.  While modest, our proposed rates would give fair compensation to the solar customers for the unseen value that small-scale, broadly-distributed generation provides to the electric system such as: Avoiding purchasing expensive electricity and capacity from large power plants during expensive times of year, Wasting large amounts of electricity by transmitting it from far away, and Avoiding the need to upgrade local electric infrastructure by generating more electricity close to where it is consumed.  A decade ago, we knew much less about how decarbonization would impact the electric grid, and it seemed wise to proceed cautiously. Now, armed with more experience and data, we can modestly increase how much we are paying local renewable energy, and still reduce the cost of electricity on everyone's bills. Read CENH's full testimony in the net metering docket: Testimony of David Littell Testimony of Tom Beach

Name: Bela Bogdanovic Title: Chief of Staff Employer: Dig Energy City/Town of Residence: Boston, MA Education: MA Development Studies, Institute of Development Studies; BA Global Studies & Chinese, University of Vermont Why did you decide to work in the renewable/clean/ clean energy industry? I've always wanted to work somewhere that aligned with my values, but I sort of stumbled into climate tech. After college, I went straight to grad school to study International Development. Pretty quickly, I realized I wanted to work at a nonprofit or some type of government agency where I could make an impact. A few months post-grad school, I was working at a nonprofit in Boston when I found out about an opportunity at a venture firm. I had previously interned for the CEO, and when I expressed my concerns about the lack of impact I might have in the private sector, she politely told me I had a lot to learn and invited me to meet her team. This opportunity gave me a front-row seat to the inner workings of a firm investing in climate tech and healthcare, and it introduced me to Dulcie, who is now my boss. What interested you in working at your current employer? Dulcie and I worked together closely on founder programs at a venture firm, so when I had the chance to work with her again, I jumped at the opportunity. I also wanted to work in a challenging environment that would push the limits of my abilities and force me to constantly learn and grow. Describe the work you do in more detail. I work closely with the CEO, Dulcie, on all things investor/board relations, internal and external stakeholder management, GTM strategy, gov relations, and all the other miscellaneous operations that go into running a early stage startup. Tactically, that translates into building a lot of decks, drafting comms, preparing materials and briefings for internal/external meetings, and being a sounding board for Dulcie, while making sure the cleaning crew comes every other week and the engineering team never runs out of diet cokes. What do you believe is the most pressing challenge that lies ahead for the clean energy industry in the state? New Hampshire, and New England as a whole, overwhelming rely on heating fuel to stay warm. Navigating the transition to clean, affordable HVAC solutions will require cooperation from a variety of stakeholders across the public and private sectors, who often have competing priorities. Finding a common language and recentering the conversation around the economic opportunities that the energy transition can bring to all Granite Staters will be crucial. What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college? 1) Read and talk to as many people you can. For climate specific news I subscribe to Axios, Heatmap, and Canary Media. I also read a variety of other newsletters -- New York Times Morning and Dealbook, Bloomberg Open & Close, and the Washington Post 7. You'd be surprised to see how much overlap there is between climate and other world/national news, and even if there isn't overlap, reading the news helps you develop a POV and deeper understanding of current events. 2) Don't be afraid to put yourself out there or ask someone to clarify something if you don't understand it -- most of the time someone else will have the same question! What do you like to do when you aren't working? I love a long walk, either with a friend (in person or on the phone), or while listening to a podcast. I also love hot yoga and pilates. The rest of my non working hours are spent trying out different restaurants and bars in the Boston area. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Iced tea, black Fave NH Restaurant? Dube Dogs Fave Musician/Band/Music genre? Taylor Swift or EDM Fav Recreational activity? Long walks (ideally on a hot, sunny day)

Colby-Sawyer College (CSC) became a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, setting it on a trajectory to carbon neutrality by 2050. With CSC’s commitment to campus sustainability, their work has expanded beyond campus into the surrounding communities in the Lake Sunapee region. As the new Climate Action Leader serving CSC, and as an AmeriCorps member, I serve with Campus Compact , a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to advancing the services of higher education. I’m also a part of a national program called Campus Climate Action Corps (CCAC) , which is dedicated to educating the community on climate issues such as improving energy efficiency, restoring at-risk ecosystems, and conducting home energy walkthroughs.  Campus Climate Action Corps was launched last year. This year, CCAC will be a part   of the American Climate Corps (ACC) . ACC’s goal is to increase peoples’ job experience within   the green sector to help address the climate crisis. I personally got involved with CCAC to gain   more experience in the sustainability sector and engage with communities to make them more   sustainable.   As a Climate Action Leader at Colby Sawyer, I am hosting community education events to inform homeowners and renters about ways they can save on energy and utility costs. Most recently, I hosted NHSaves to deliver their Button Up Workshop which informs residents how to weatherize their homes and get connected to government rebate programs. There was a great turn out for this event and many people benefited from the information presented.  This summer I have two Colby-Sawyer students serving as Climate Action Energizers working with me to accomplish our goals. Climate Action Energizers are minimum time AmeriCorps members who will complete 300 hours of service. We are actively conducting home energy efficiency walkthroughs where we evaluate lighting, insulation, and overall energy use to help residents reduce their utility costs. By taking part in a home energy assessment, community members are doing their part to track their carbon footprint and implement effective strategies in their home to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to anthropocentric climate change.  For our ecosystem restoration project, we are working to remove knotweed from the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area here in New London. Knotweed has taken over a part of the park overlooking the gorgeous pond and scenery. When the knotweed is at its full height in the summer, which can be up to 13 feet tall, it makes it difficult to look out to the water. We are implementing the “cover and smother method” recommended by the UNH Extension program on how to remove invasive species.  Colby-Sawyer College has been a supportive host site to the efforts CCAC has set   out to accomplish. Earlier this year, I hosted an Energy Jeopardy for students, staff, and   faculty. The participants were enthusiastic about the game and through post event surveys,   reported they learned a lot about energy efficiency. I have also conducted a Home Energy   Walkthrough for one staff member and will continue to advertise our Walkthroughs to the   staff and faculty of Colby-Sawyer College.   It has been great to work with our community on these initiatives and build on the work Colby-Sawyer College is doing with campus sustainability. To learn more about Campus Climate Action Corps, please visit compact.org/CCAC or contact Anna White at  anna.white1@colby-sawyer.edu .

Name: Ryan Hughes Title: Weatherization Production Manager Employer: Turn Cycle Solutions City/Town of Residence: Nashua, NH Education: High School Diploma Why did you decide to work in the renewable/clean/clean energy industry? To learn more about the industry. What interested you in working at your current employer? The opportunity to advance. Describe the work you do in more detail. I am responsible for managing 4 in house crews along with many subcontractors, scheduling jobs, ordering supplies,property maintenance, Fleet maintenance, customer satisfaction, worksite inspections and quality control. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? Every day is an opportunity to learn something new about the industry. What makes you hopeful about the clean energy transition in New Hampshire? The state has been making significant strides in increasing renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This demonstrates a commitment to diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. What do you believe is the most pressing challenge that lies ahead for the clean energy industry in the state? One of the most pressing challenges for the clean energy industry in New Hampshire, as in many other regions, is the need for comprehensive and supportive policies and regulations. While there has been progress in implementing clean energy initiatives, the lack of consistent, long-term policies can hinder investment and slow down the transition to renewable energy sources. What interested you most about being part of YPiE? (Young Professionals in Energy) To be part of something that will make a difference. What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college? Networking is essential in any industry, including energy. Connect with professionals in the field through networking events, online platforms like LinkedIn, and alumni networks. Building relationships with industry insiders can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable advice. What do you like to do when you aren't working? Camping, fishing, spending time with family. A typical weekend for me is… Camping, fishing, spending time with my daughter. What's on your bucket list? To travel across the country. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Coffee, Black, with sugar Fave NH Restaurant? Texas Roadhouse Fave Musician/Band/Music genre? Classic rock Fav Recreational activity? Camping