Community Power Implementation & Operations Support

Community Power Implementation Support

Launching a Community Power program can be complex. CPCNH was created to make it easier.

The Coalition has developed a full suite of advisory services, templates, and tools to guide Members through every stage of program development—from joining CPCNH to launching and running a successful program. This support includes:

• Adopting CPCNH’s foundational agreements (Joint Powers Agreement, Cost Sharing Agreement, and Member Services Contract)

• Onboarding and participation on the CPCNH Board of Directors

• Drafting and submitting Electric Aggregation Plans

• Preparing and holding public meetings

• Utility data requests and customer privacy compliance

• Reviewing and adopting Energy Portfolio Risk Management, Retail Rates, and Financial Reserve policies

• Branding, marketing, and public outreach

• Customer notification planning and execution

• Power procurement and rate-setting

• Local program development tailored to community goals

By centralizing and simplifying these processes, CPCNH enables municipalities—large and small—to successfully launch their programs with as little administrative burden as possible. Member communities take on only the responsibilities they feel ready for; CPCNH handles the rest.

Overview resources:

CPCNH Orientation Packet — May 30, 2023

Community Power — CPCNH Intro Presentation

Want to explore Community Power for your municipality? Start here.

Business Operations and Ongoing Services

After launch, CPCNH provides the full backend operations needed to run a modern electricity supply program. These services fall into several key areas:

Retail Data Management & Billing

• Electronic data interchange (EDI) with utilities

• Billing calculations, payment processing, and revenue oversight

• Customer data validation and resolution of billing errors

Customer Solutions & Rate Design

• Development of default and optional rate structures

• Retail product design for residential, commercial, and industrial customers

• Inbound and outbound call center support

• Analytics and insights to understand customer needs

Energy Procurement & Risk Management

• Portfolio planning, market forecasting, and position management

• Contract negotiation, valuation, and counterparty monitoring

• Active participation in ISO New England’s wholesale electricity markets

• Compliance with CPCNH Board-adopted energy risk and rate policies

Financial Services

• Budgeting and revenue forecasting

• Secure account administration and financial reporting

• Invoice validation and credit support

CPCNH’s comprehensive operations model allows communities to focus on local goals while relying on trusted experts to manage market, financial, and regulatory complexity.

Sign Up for Vendor and Developer Emails

Innovation, Agility, and Future-Ready Planning

CPCNH’s service model isn’t just comprehensive—it’s built to evolve. Vendor contracts and operational structures are designed for agility, allowing CPCNH to adapt as technology, markets, and policy landscapes change.

This strategic approach positions CPCNH to develop and scale programs that offer:

• Time-based and electric vehicle charging rates

• Distributed energy resource (DER) integration (e.g., solar, storage)

• Group and individual net metering

• Demand flexibility and efficiency programs

• Opportunities for market participation by third-party aggregators

The Coalition’s wholesale market engagement, portfolio diversification, and long-term contracting strategy aim to stabilize prices, hedge risk, and support clean energy development—all while maintaining compliance with financial and risk policies adopted by the Board of Directors.

Working Together Toward Local Energy Solutions

CPCNH enables its Members to work jointly across municipalities and regions. This shared services model—established under New Hampshire’s Joint Powers Act (RSA 53-A)—supports the goals of the Community Power law (RSA 53-E), while unlocking the full benefits of local control, collaboration, and innovation.

Whether your community is exploring Community Power or already running a program, CPCNH provides the foundation for success today—and the tools to innovate for tomorrow.