ASPIRE: A New Path for Renewable Energy Developers in New Hampshire
- 3 days ago
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When it comes to clean energy, New Hampshire’s communities are leading the way. And now there’s a new tool to help renewable energy developers partner with those communities to build the state’s next generation of local, affordable power.
The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has launched ASPIRE, the Annual Solicitation Program to Increase Renewable Energy. The initiative creates a consistent, statewide process for CPCNH to solicit long-term contracts from new renewable energy projects through an open, competitive Request for Proposals (RFP).
By focusing on steady, predictable growth of renewables in the state, ASPIRE is both a strategic procurement tool and a new opportunity for developers of all sizes to bring their projects to life.
“Access to grant funding and tax credits is shrinking, and developers are navigating a much tighter market overall,” said Mark Bolinger, CPCNH’s Director of Projects and Programs. “ASPIRE is our response to those realities—offering a clear path forward, year after year, for new projects to serve our members.”
Why ASPIRE?
CPCNH launched ASPIRE to provide renewable energy developers with greater revenue certainty, lower barriers to entry, and a predictable contracting structure—something that’s been lacking in the local market.
Each year, ASPIRE will invite proposals from projects that can deliver energy and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to CPCNH communities. Only new (not-yet-operational) projects are eligible, and each must be powered by renewable resources—like solar, wind, or small-scale hydro—with or without paired storage.
What sets ASPIRE apart is its flexibility. Whether a developer is working on a multi-megawatt project registered with ISO-NE, or a smaller Group Net Metered installation in New Hampshire, ASPIRE offers a streamlined process to match their output with CPCNH’s member communities.
“For developers, the appeal is simple: a 20-year fixed-price contract that isn’t tied to the volatility of net metering credits,” said Bolinger. “That kind of stability helps projects pencil out—and helps communities meet their clean energy goals.”
ASPIRE’s inaugural solicitation in September 2025 yielded proposals for seven MW-scale solar projects across New Hampshire, offered by three different solar developers. CPCNH staff and committees are currently evaluating proposals and deciding next steps.
Building on a Growing Ecosystem of Local Energy
Group Net Metering (Community Solar, NH-Style)
Through Group Net Metering, CPCNH facilitates arrangements where large-scale solar projects serve multiple “group members”—municipal buildings, school districts, and other government users—via virtual bill credits.
The Poverty Plains Solar Project in Warner, NH, is a prime example. The 4.999 MW-AC installation is expected to come online in 2026 and will provide governmental subscribers with 12.5% of the applicable net metering credit, which could translate into meaningful savings over time. CPCNH achieved full subscription of the Poverty Plains Solar project in July 2025.
ASPIRE creates new avenues to expand similar community-scale projects across the state.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
CPCNH also acts as a nonprofit REC aggregator, buying certified RECs from facilities located in New Hampshire. Unlike for-profit aggregators, CPCNH does not resell RECs—instead, it retires them to help meet the renewable content of electricity products for member towns.
Because it operates on a cost-recovery basis, CPCNH often offers higher REC prices to generators, while also making the process simple and transparent. Updated pricing is posted each year, and the Coalition supports generators at every stage—from new registration to switching from another aggregator.
A Statewide Opportunity for Local Impact
CPCNH currently serves 68 member cities, towns, and counties, representing more than 40% of New Hampshire’s population and over 180,000 electricity accounts. Its members span every corner of the state, from Seacoast towns to rural mountain communities.
ASPIRE gives developers a consistent and accessible way to bring new projects to this statewide footprint—and to help these communities reach their clean energy goals on their own terms.
“Even if a developer isn’t ready to submit this year, we plan to make ASPIRE an annual opportunity,” said Bolinger. “The door’s not closing—it’s opening wider.”
How to Participate
Be Part of New Hampshire’s Clean Energy Future
💡 Visit the ASPIRE webpage
📬 Have Questions? Email: aspire@communitypowernh.gov
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