Charged Up: Meet Andrew Hatch

From Biofuels to Community Power: Andrew Hatch’s Journey to CPCNH

CPCNH Engagement Manager Andrew Hatch

Before Andrew Hatch was helping cities and towns across New Hampshire chart their path to energy independence, he was working in business process consulting for federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies. But a growing passion for renewable energy led him to a biofuels startup, and eventually to the energy efficiency space—first through NHSaves, and now with CPCNH. Today, Andrew works for CPCNH through a partnership with Resilient Buildings Group (RBG), a mission-driven consultancy advancing high-performance, low-energy-use buildings across New England.

In his role, Andrew helps communities join CPCNH, launch their Community Power programs and provides ongoing support. His approach is grounded in civic engagement: he’s chaired his town’s energy committee, served on zoning and planning boards, and led weatherization programs for low-income residents. Whether in his own town or across the state, Andrew is driven by a belief in local decision-making and the power of people to shape their energy future.

What is your role at CPCNH, and what does a typical day look like for you?

Andrew Hatch: I serve as CPCNH’s Engagement Manager, which means I work directly with our current and prospective member communities to support their efforts to join the Coalition and develop their Community Power programs. I travel throughout the state working with town managers, Selectboards, energy committees, and volunteers to help them understand the process and move forward. I often coordinate with CPCNH’s legal and technical partners to answer questions about data access, program development, and launch timelines. Every community moves at its own pace, so a big part of my job is helping them stay on track and feel supported throughout the process.

What inspired you to join CPCNH or work in the energy field?

AH: I’ve always had an interest in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Early on, I worked in business process outsourcing—helping federal and corporate clients optimize operations. But over time, I felt drawn toward something more mission driven. That led me to join a biofuels startup as Operations Director. It was my first real hands-on experience in the energy world.

Later, I transitioned into energy efficiency work with NHSaves and worked with several of the communities who advocated to establish Community Power in the state. So, when the opportunity came to support the growth of CPCNH as a contractor through RBG, it felt like a natural extension of my values and interests.

What excites you most about Community Power and its potential for New Hampshire?

AH: The educational opportunity is what excites me most. Most people don’t understand where their electricity comes from—how it’s generated, how it’s bought, or why their rates change. Community Power helps communities and individuals take control of that story. It empowers them to choose cleaner energy sources, reinvest in their towns, and plan for the future. I love the potential it has to open up new conversations and get people more engaged in how energy decisions affect their everyday lives.

Can you share something about your background or career path that might surprise people?

AH: I think people might be surprised to hear that I helped launch one of New Hampshire’s early biofuel supply chains. I was working in logistics and operations for a company that manufactured biodiesel from recycled cooking oil for residential heating and diesel vehicles. We worked with local suppliers and distributors to replace petroleum-based fuels with a cleaner alternative. That experience really shaped how I think about energy—not just from a technical perspective, but from a community access and infrastructure standpoint.

Is there a New Hampshire town or place that holds special meaning to you—or inspires your work?

AH: I have lived in Washington for 20 years, so Sullivan County definitely holds special meaning for me. It’s been inspiring to support their efforts to explore and implement Community Power. The people I’ve worked with there are deeply committed to making sure their communities have a say in energy decisions and benefit from cost savings and renewable choices. That kind of local leadership is really motivating.

What do you enjoy most about working with local communities and municipal partners?

AH: It’s the people. These are volunteers, town officials, energy committee members—folks who are giving their time to improve their communities. They care deeply about transparency, public service, and creating a better future. To me, that’s what democracy looks like. And that’s the most rewarding part of this work: helping people take a complex process and turn it into something real—something that benefits their neighbors and their town.

What do you love doing outside of work?

Andrew with Max, his Portuguese Water Dog, enjoying a snowy hike on the trails near his home.

AH: I live on Millen Lake and spend as much time outdoors as I can. Hiking is probably my favorite activity. I hike Lovewell Mountain on the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway every season—it’s become something of a tradition for me. Whether it’s the solitude or the views, it helps keep me grounded. I also enjoy staying involved in my local community. I serve on our zoning board and am a Regional Planning Commissioner—that connection to local service is really important to me.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go—and why?

AH: Japan. I’m fascinated by the contrast between tradition and technology there, and how different the cultural values are from what we’re used to in the U.S. It would be challenging and mind-expanding in the best way.

What energy innovation, policy, or idea are you most excited about for the future?

Andrew paddles across Millen Lake with Max

AH: It’s hard to say exactly what the “next big thing” will be—because I think the most transformative technologies are still in their infancy. But I believe that increasing public understanding of energy is critical. If people know more about how energy works, they’ll be better prepared to evaluate new technologies and make informed choices. That kind of awareness is foundational to meaningful innovation.

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From the North Country to the Seacoast and across to the Connecticut river, Andrew Hatch continues to connect people, policy, and power—one community at a time. Through his work with CPCNH and Resilient Buildings Group, he’s helping towns across New Hampshire take control of their energy future.

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