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Powering Progress: New Milestones in Local Energy Recent stories from across the state spotlight the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire’s momentum in expanding community solar, reducing energy costs, and building a more resilient energy future for Granite State communities. From launching the state’s largest solar project to local policy leadership and deepening community impact, CPCNH and its members continue to lead the way. Recent News Highlights Dover Download Podcast Features CPCNH’s Jackson Kaspari 📍 Dover Download Podcast | January 2026 Jackson Kaspari, CPCNH Director of Member Services, joins the Dover Download podcast to discuss the coalition’s growth since Dover became a founding member in 2021, expanding to 68 member communities and serving roughly 175,000 customers statewide. Kaspari explains how community power works—from opt-out enrollment and renewable energy product tiers to customer participation in Dover—while also addressing upcoming February rates, the role of community reserves in long-term price stability, and Dover’s participation in the state’s largest community solar project in Warner. Listen here Energy Insider Podcast Features CPCNH’s Deana Dennis 📍 The Energy Insider Podcast | January 2026 Deana Dennis, CPCNH’s Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, joins The Energy Insider Podcast to discuss the rapid growth of community power in New Hampshire, including CPCNH’s expansion to more than 180,000 customers and over $20 million in customer savings. Dennis outlines how CPCNH’s four rate options, integration of community solar, and consumer-first regulatory advocacy help lower energy costs while challenging utility monopoly practices, and she reflects on ongoing efforts to expand participation in energy choice statewide. Listen here LEAN Energy US Webinar Features CPCNH’s Clifton Below 📍 LEAN Energy US Webinar | December 2025 Clifton Below, immediate past chair of the CPCNH Board, joined a national LEAN Energy US panel discussion examining Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) customer data access challenges and emerging solutions. The webinar highlighted findings from a multi-state study on data availability and accuracy, with panelists sharing regulatory, technical, and practical insights on how improved data access can reduce costs, support renewable integration, and strengthen transparency for community power programs nationwide. Watch the recording. Poverty Plains Solar: NH’s Largest Community Solar Project Takes Shape 📍 Multiple Outlets | November 19–21, 2025 In a widely covered event, CPCNH and Encore Renewable Energy celebrated construction progress at the 4.99-megawatt Poverty Plains Solar Project in Warner—New Hampshire’s largest community solar array to date. The project will serve 11 CPCNH member communities (including Bristol, Dover, and Rye), offering long-term energy savings through Group Net Metering . Held at the former gravel pit site now transformed into a clean energy hub, the event featured remarks from State Reps. Tony Caplan and Eileen Kelly , CPCNH Director of Projects & Programs Mark Bolinger, and Encore CEO Chad Farrell. The project is expected to generate nearly $5 million in community benefits , while also highlighting the potential of underutilized land for solar development. Encore also presented a $20,000 donation to the Warner Beautification Committee as part of its Community Impact Program. Highlighted Media Coverage: CommunityPowerNH.gov (Dec 8) Concord Monitor (Nov 19) Concord Monitor Opinion | By Reps. Tony Caplan and Eileen Kelly (Dec 18) North American Clean Energy (Nov 21) Renewable Energy Magazine (Nov 21) Solar Power World (Nov 20) Portsmouth Looks to Expand Local Energy Innovation 📍 Seacoast Online | November 6, 2025 The Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee (PEAC), the team behind the success of Portsmouth Community Power, is being proposed as a permanent city committee. The group has helped the city save over $2 million through community power and is now pursuing new initiatives, including a solar array on a former landfill and green energy for the wastewater plant. The committee’s continuity could strengthen long-term energy planning and innovation. Read More Bristol Buzzes About Community Power Progress 📍 Bristol Buzz Newsletter | November 21, 2025 In a reflective update, Bristol Energy Committee Chair Paul Bemis celebrates the town’s progress with CPCNH, including its enrollment in the Poverty Plains Solar Project. The piece outlines how CPCNH’s nonprofit model creates real local value, contrasting community power with the investor-owned utility model. Bemis highlights CPCNH’s role in helping Bristol return to a local, distributed energy model, enabling long-term control, cost savings, and resilience. Read More Consumer Advocacy: CPCNH Pushes Back Against Utility Overreach 📍InDepthNH | October 30, 2025 | By Donald M. Kreis NH’s Consumer Advocate Donald Kreis outlines Eversource’s attempt to retroactively charge customers for a $4 million accounting error—blaming customer migration to CPCNH for the shortfall. CPCNH successfully challenged this claim in 2024, and Kreis defends the organization’s continued consumer-first focus. Read More Stay Connected with CPCNH News CPCNH is leading the way in local energy solutions, and our impact continues to grow. Stay informed about how community power is shaping New Hampshire’s energy future. 📍Visit our news page for more updates: communitypowernh.gov/news

The 2026 legislative session presents pivotal opportunities to strengthen energy affordability, uphold local control, and advance market innovation across New Hampshire’s electricity system. For the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), public advocacy is rooted in a simple goal: advancing policy that enables communities to thrive through fair market competition, affordability, and community-driven energy solutions. CPCNH’s Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Committee (RLAC) evaluates legislation through a framework grounded in three pillars from its 2025–2026 Legislative Platform: Advancing community benefits through non-discriminatory access to the electric system Increasing innovation through local control, equity, and community development Enforcing laws and market rules with transparency and public accountability This framework guides the Coalition’s bill positions — whether to Support , Oppose , Engage , or Monitor — based on how closely a bill aligns with CPCNH’s mission and platform. These positions, along with summaries, testimony, and related materials, are available through CPCNH’s Legislation Tracker . For more on the Coalition’s legislative platform and regulatory work, visit the Advocacy Page , or sign up for action alerts . Policy Areas of Focus in 2026 Advancing Distributed Energy & Storage Several CPCNH-supported bills this session aim to enable market-based innovation at the customer level. HB 1290 would establish a framework for customer-owned energy storage systems, removing barriers to behind-the-meter flexibility and participation. HB 1718 would allow distributed storage paired with generation to be eligible for net metering compensation, supporting more granular market access and customer-side grid value. HB 1534 and HB 1733 clarify default service cost allocation to ensure that CPA customers are not unfairly burdened with costs incurred by utilities serving their own default service electricity supply customer base. These proposals reflect CPCNH’s call to modernize state law and regulatory practices around wholesale load settlement, retail market access, and non-utility ownership of distributed energy resources. “Removing technical and financial barriers to behind-the-meter innovation is critical to a modern, equitable energy grid,” said Deana Dennis , Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs at CPCNH. Expanding Energy Access & Affordability CPCNH continues to support legislation that broadens participation in the clean energy transition, particularly for renters and low-to-moderate income (LMI) households. SB 540-FN would authorize small-scale “plug-in” solar systems, such as balcony or window units, giving more people access to renewable generation regardless of property ownership. HB 1742 would protect customers enrolled in net metering from losing credits due to inadvertent enrollment into third-party suppliers, with provisions for retroactive credit restoration. “Clean energy access shouldn’t depend on whether you own a roof,” said Dennis. “Plug-in solar gives more Granite Staters a chance to participate in the energy transition.” Local Control & Planning Several bills directly support municipalities and Community Power Aggregations (CPAs) in implementing locally approved energy strategies: SB 590 , co-developed by CPCNH and the Town of Peterborough , would clarify that municipalities may use discretionary reserves using locally approved revolving funds for energy services tied to their CPA plans. SB 440 would streamline the adoption of local clean energy finance districts, enabling more towns to implement clean energy projects. These proposals support municipal autonomy, community-scale innovation, and the use of existing statutory tools to expand affordability and local energy innovation. Market Integrity & Renewable Standards CPCNH supports a competitive, innovation-driven electricity market and opposes efforts that weaken policy frameworks designed to reduce emissions and incentivize renewable energy production. HB 1002 would eliminate a long-standing local option to exempt solar energy systems from local property taxes. CPCNH strongly opposes this measure. HB 1535 restores Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) eligibility for electricity generated from landfill gas and biodigesters, correcting an exclusion that impacted New Hampshire’s ability to fully value biogenic methane. HB 1542 and HB 1721 propose eliminating or phasing out the state’s RPS through mechanisms such as a $0 alternative compliance payment (ACP) or limited REC eligibility. CPCNH strongly opposes both. These proposals would reverse decades of progress in building a fair and functional market for renewable energy in New Hampshire. “Without a functional RPS and ACP structure, New Hampshire risks disrupting the market jeopardizing investments already made,” said Clifton Below , Chair of CPCNH’s RLAC. Engaged Advocacy: Shaping Policy Beyond Support or Opposition Not all legislation fits neatly into a support or oppose category. CPCNH often takes an Engage stance — offering expertise, education, and testimony to help shape complex proposals. SB 447 is a wide-ranging bill that includes expanded group net metering access, utility ownership of advanced nuclear facilities, and multi-state power purchase agreements. CPCNH supports certain provisions, including improved access to community solar for LMI customers, but raises concerns about cost-shifting and monopoly expansion risks. SB 537 would repeal the Public Utilities Commission’s authority to approve alternative regulation frameworks. CPCNH is engaging to support tools that improve public utility regulation in New Hampshire. SB 597 would require the PUC to open an investigative proceeding to evaluate whether it is in the public interest to transition the state’s electric and natural gas utilities to a performance-based regulatory model. CPCNH is supportive of the concept of performance-based regulation as a means to improve the effectiveness of public utility regulation and specifically, to better align utility incentives with broader societal goals such as affordability, reliability, innovation, and customer choice. Regulatory Results: Turning Policy into Practice CPCNH’s legislative platform is reinforced by its results in the regulatory arena, where advocacy is directly improving conditions for communities and customers. The Coalition uncovered load settlement errors at Eversource and Unitil of more than $7.1 million that if left undiscovered could have led to improper recovery of millions in costs from CPCNH customers. In a subsequent docket, CPCNH’s regulatory engagement helped prevent $2.5 million in unjustified charges to Eversource default service customers. In 2025, CPCNH successfully advocated for six-month reconciliation cycles for all major utilities’ default service rates — a reform that improves price accuracy  and enhances transparency. “These decisions demonstrate the value of engaging in regulatory issues at the Public Utilities Commission ,” added Below. These outcomes show that CPCNH’s public advocacy can drive change not only in statute, but also in how the energy system is operated and governed for the benefit of all. Community Power Is Legislative Power CPCNH’s 2026 legislative strategy reflects its mission to promote the general welfare and economic vitality of New Hampshire’s cities and towns. Through targeted engagement, collaborative policy design, and principled advocacy, the Coalition is shaping a future rooted in local control, equitable participation, and market-based innovation. To explore CPCNH’s positions or take action: Visit the Advocacy Page Explore the Bill Tracker Tool Sign up for alerts to stay engaged with CPCNH’s legislative and regulatory work

Looking for an easy way to stay informed about what’s happening at the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH)? Office Hours might be just the thing. CPCNH hosts public Office Hours each month—casual, one-hour Zoom sessions where staff walk through current initiatives, updates, and areas of focus. These sessions are open to everyone and offer a window into the Coalition’s work, including topics like energy rate planning, legislative activity, governance, and member services. Every session includes a live Q&A, with questions from participants helping guide the conversation. Recent Office Hours, which you can find in the archive section of our Office Hours webpage , have explored CPCNH’s reserve and revenue strategy, updates to the risk management policy, how Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) support clean energy goals, and how community input shapes CPCNH’s programs and tools. You can view the schedule of upcoming Office Hours on our Office Hours webpage , and join any session via Zoom , no registration required. Office Hours take place every other Friday, from 1–2 PM, unless noted otherwise. CPCNH maintains a complete archive of past Office Hours recordings , where you can revisit past discussions or browse by topic. You can also jump straight to the Office Hours YouTube playlist to catch up. Whether you’re new to Community Power or just looking to stay current, CPCNH Office Hours offer an open door to learn more and stay connected.

When CPCNH moved into its new offices at 100 N. Main Street in Concord in September 2025, I had an idea: to represent each of our member communities through a photograph and capture the unique beauty of each location and of the Granite State as a whole. But what began as a simple wall art project quickly turned into something more revealing. As I researched each member community, I noticed a recurring feature: covered bridges. New Hampshire has many covered bridges—more than 50 in total—and ranks fifth in the nation for the number of covered bridges (behind Pennsylvania, Ohio, Vermont and Indiana). I hadn’t set out to find these architecturally distinctive, often historic, and naturally beautiful structures, but they kept appearing, each with its own character and nestled uniquely into the landscape. Some of our member municipalities had several—up to four—and a few are home to some of the country’s most iconic covered bridges. While many of these are historic, with some dating back to the 1800s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, others are more recent, built in a traditional style to honor local heritage or provide functional crossings that echo New Hampshire’s architectural past. The Power of Community Now on display at CPCNH’s new offices in Concord, The Power of Community  is a wall art installation featuring more than 60 photographs of our member communities. From historic mills and downtowns to sweeping natural vistas and iconic covered bridges, the collection captures the shared landscapes and unique character that define the communities powering New Hampshire’s transition to local, reliable, and resilient energy. A printed key helps visitors identify each image, and members are warmly invited to visit, explore, and learn more about the communities these scenes represent. Stay tuned for updates on our “living wall art”—a growing tribute to the people and places powering a more resilient future. By the Numbers A surprising number of CPCNH communities have one or more covered bridges, many of them listed on the National Register of Historic Places . In fact, six communities have two or more: Cornish leads the way with four covered bridges: the iconic Cornish–Windsor Bridge (the longest wooden covered bridge and longest single span carrying automobile traffic in the U.S.), the Kenyon (Blacksmith Shop) Bridge , the Blow-Me-Down Bridge , and Dingleton Hill Bridge . Campton is notable for its collection of covered bridges, including Blair Bridge , Turkey Jim’s Bridge , and Bump Bridge . Conway also has three covered bridges, each with its own character: the Saco River Bridge , the historic Swift River Bridge , and the Stoney Morrell Bridge . Newport  is home to three historic bridges: the scenic Corbin Covered Bridge , the railroad-era Pier Bridge , and Wright’s Bridge . Hopkinton  features two notable bridges: Rowell’s Covered Bridge , built in 1853, and the Contoocook Railroad Bridge —the oldest surviving covered railroad bridge in the U.S. Langdon has two beautifully preserved bridges: the Cold River (McDermott) Bridge , and the Prentiss Bridge —the shortest covered bridge in New Hampshire. Warner also boasts two: the Dalton Bridge , which spans the Warner River, and the larger Waterloo Bridge just outside town. Many other communities, including Bradford, Lyme, Plainfield, Peterborough, Winchester, and Tamworth, feature single bridges, many still in use. Taken together, more than 35 covered bridges span CPCNH communities, reflecting local craftsmanship, civic pride, and a shared commitment to stewarding infrastructure that stands the test of time. Cornish Cornish–Windsor Bridge (National Register of Historic Places [NRHP] listed; 1866); Blow-Me-Down Covered Bridge (NRHP listed; 1877) (located adjacent to Cornish-Plainfield town line); Blacksmith Shop (Kenyon) Bridge (1882); Dingleton Hill Bridge (1882) Campton Blair Bridge (1870); Bump Bridge (1972); Turkey Jim’s Bridge (1958/2013) Conway Saco River Covered Bridge (1890); Swift River Covered Bridge (1869); Stoney Morrell Bridge (1999) Newport Corbin Covered Bridge (NRHP listed; 1845/1993); Pier Bridge (1907); Wright’s Bridge (NRHP listed; 1906) Hopkinton Historic Contoocook Railroad Covered Bridge (NRHP-listed; 1849–50 ); Rowell's Covered Bridge (NRHP-listed; 1853) Langdon Cold River (McDermott) Bridge (1869); Prentiss Bridge (NRHP listed; 1874) Warner Dalton Covered Bridge (1853); Waterloo Covered Bridg e (1860) Bradford Bement Covered Bridge (NRHP listed; 1854) Franklin Sulphite Railroad (Upside-Down Covered) Bridge (1896) Gilford Tannery Hill Bridge (1995) Grantham Yankee Barn Bridge (1982) Hudson Melendy Pond Bridge (1982) Lebanon Packard Hill Bridge (1991) Lyme Edgell Bridge (1885) Nashua Royal Crest Covered Bridge (1970) Peterborough Teixeira Park Bridge (1965) Plainfield Meriden (Mill Bridge) (1880) Randolph Nepalese Bridge (1968) Tamworth Chocorua Ski & Beach Bridge (1992) Winchester Coombs Covered Bridge (NRHP listed; 1843) Eight Highlighted Covered Bridges The Cornish–Windsor Bridge is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States, linking Cornish, NH, and Windsor, VT, since 1866. Cornish–Windsor Bridge (Cornish) Built in 1866, this 449-foot bridge spans the Connecticut River between Cornish, NH, and Windsor, VT, and is the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States. Its scale and craftsmanship have made it a regional icon and one of the most photographed covered bridges in New England. Originally built in 1845 and rebuilt in 1993, Corbin Bridge is one of Sullivan County’s most iconic and scenic landmarks. Corbin Bridge (Newport) Originally built in 1845 and reconstructed after a fire in 1993, Corbin Bridge is a graceful single-span lattice truss bridge open to vehicles. Set against a backdrop of forested hills and open fields, it's one of Sullivan County’s most photographed landmarks. Blair Bridge, built in 1870, spans the Pemigewasset River and remains in active use after careful restoration following 2011 flood damage. Blair Bridge (Campton) This 292-foot long truss bridge was built in 1870 and remains open to one-lane traffic. After surviving major flood damage in 2011, it was carefully restored, embodying the town’s commitment to historic preservation and resilience. Dating to 1853, the Dalton Bridge uses a rare hybrid truss design and remains one of the oldest covered bridges still open to traffic in New Hampshire. Dalton Covered Bridge (Warner) Built in 1853, the Dalton Bridge spans the Warner River using a rare combination of king and queen post trusses. Painted a classic red, it remains open to traffic and is one of the oldest covered bridges still in daily use in New Hampshire. Built in 1869, this restored bridge now serves foot traffic and reflects Langdon’s commitment to preserving its historic infrastructure. McDermott (Cold River) Bridge (Langdon) Also known as McDermott Bridge, this single-span covered bridge was built in 1869 and spans the Cold River. Once a vehicular crossing, it was bypassed in 1964 and restored in 2008 after a community-led preservation effort. At 81 feet long and built with a modified Town lattice truss, it stands as one of the few remaining 19th-century covered bridges in the state. Constructed in 1877 by famed bridgewright James F. Tasker, this multiple kingpost truss bridge spans Blow-Me-Down Brook near the border of Cornish and Plainfield. Blow-Me-Down Bridge (Cornish) Built in 1877 by renowned bridgewright James F. Tasker, this single-lane covered bridge spans Blow-Me-Down Brook on Lang Road near the Cornish-Plainfield town line. At 85 feet long, it features a multiple kingpost truss design and rests on natural granite abutments. The bridge was restored in 1980 and 2002 and remains open to vehicle traffic. A classic Long truss bridge built in 1854, Bement Bridge was fully rehabilitated in 2020–21 and continues to support vehicle traffic. Bement Covered Bridge (Bradford) Constructed in 1854, Bement Bridge in Bradford is a 60-foot-long Long truss bridge spanning the Warner River. It remains open to vehicle traffic and underwent a full rehabilitation in 2020–2021 to preserve its structural integrity while maintaining its historical features. Built in 1869 and bypassed in 1969, the Swift River Bridge is now a pedestrian stop along the scenic Kancamagus Highway. Swift River Bridge (Conway) Built between 1869 and 1870, the Swift River Bridge in Conway once carried vehicles across the Swift River until it was bypassed in 1969. Now open to foot traffic only, it serves as a scenic and accessible stop along the Kancamagus Highway, offering visitors a view into 19th-century bridge design. Building to Last: What Covered Bridges Can Teach Us About Community Power Covered bridges are more than just rustic landmarks—they’re shared assets, community icons, and in many cases, still-functioning infrastructure. They serve as reminders of a time when communities built for themselves using local labor, shared vision, and durable materials. Like Community Power, they represent what towns can achieve when they take ownership of their future. These bridges weren’t constructed for short-term gain. They were built to endure, to serve, and to connect. That same spirit drives CPCNH: a focus on local control, community benefit, and long-term resilience. From bridge timbers to transmission lines, our member communities are working together to build infrastructure that’s reliable, equitable, and designed for the common good. If you're nearby, we invite you to stop by our Concord office at 100 N. Main Street and explore The Power of Community —a growing installation celebrating the beauty of the communities that are taking control of their own energy future.

From Iowa Roots to New Hampshire Resilience: Laura Van Sant’s Path to CPCNH After two years in South Carolina, Laura returned to New Hampshire—and was greeted by early winter weather. She and her boyfriend, Bruce Campagna, embraced the season with a visit to the Ice Castles in Woodstock, a long-time bucket list destination that didn’t disappoint. Laura Van Sant joins the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire as Clerk and Administrative Assistant, bringing a deep well of experience in public service, organizational support, and community-focused leadership. With a background that spans legal work, school district operations, and nonprofit administration, Laura is no stranger to multitasking in service of a mission. Today, she supports the CPCNH Board of Directors, Committees, and staff—making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, and that meetings and communications stay clear, timely, and accessible. After spending time in South Carolina, Laura recently returned to New Hampshire—where she had raised her three children in Brentwood and built a decades-long career rooted in detail, kindness, and commitment to community. What is your role at CPCNH, and what does a typical day look like for you? Laura Van Sant:  I am the Clerk and Administrative Assistant. I help set up committee and board meetings, prepare the draft minutes, ensure that public notices meet Right to Know Law requirements, and provide day-to-day assistance to Director of Administration Bobbi-Jo Michaels and the rest of the CPCNH staff. This family photo was taken at Laura’s daughter Brynna’s wedding to Kevin Keeney on November 11, 2024, at Ballenger Bridge in Landrum, South Carolina. Pictured are Laura’s parents, her three brothers, her three children with their partners, and her granddaughter, Raegan. With everyone together in one place, it’s a photo she truly cherishes. What inspired you to join CPCNH or work in the energy field? L V : When I moved back to New Hampshire from South Carolina, I knew I wanted to find a role like the one I had as Executive Assistant and Board Clerk for GREEN Charter Schools. When I found the job posting at CPCNH and started learning about the organization, it felt like a great fit. The role was familiar—but what made it even more meaningful was that I grew up in Iowa, where my dad served on the Pella Cooperative Electric Board for 39 years, including 15 as their representative to Central Iowa Power Cooperative. He trained through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, so the world of community energy is something I’ve been connected to my whole life. What excites you most about Community Power and its potential for New Hampshire? L V :  I’m still learning all the benefits that CPCNH provides to its members, but I’m excited by what I’ve seen so far. It’s inspiring to be part of something that gives communities more choice and control over how they access energy—and to work with people who care deeply about serving their towns and cities. Laura’s family has enjoyed the Iowa State Fair for decades—it’s where her parents had their first date in 1959. This photo was taken during her 2025 trip with her mom, two aunts, and a cousin. Can you share something about your background or career path that might surprise people? L V : I grew up on a farm in Pella, Iowa, with three brothers. After moving to New Hampshire in my early twenties, I lived in Hampton Beach and Brentwood and managed a wholesale store for CB Sullivan Company before staying home to raise my three children. I later worked as a substitute in SAU 16 (Exeter, NH) and then spent 12 years as a paralegal and legal assistant for Attorney Keri Marshall in East Kingston. After she retired, I moved to the Lakes Region and worked in the SAU 2 business office in Meredith. Most recently, I was in Greenville, South Carolina, before moving back to New Hampshire. Raegan Van Sant, Laura’s first granddaughter, was born on April 11, 2024, to her son and daughter-in-law, Blaise and Bri Van Sant. “There were double rainbows in the sky when she was born, and she truly is a ‘Rae of Sunshine,’” says Laura. Is there a New Hampshire town or place that holds special meaning to you—or inspires your work? L V : Brentwood stands out—it’s where I raised my kids. Rye is another favorite; we spent so many summer days at the beach there. And I’ve come to love Lake Winnipesaukee and all the Lakes Region has to offer. I especially enjoy boating in the summer and driving around the lake during the off-season. What do you love doing outside of work? L V : Spending time with family is important to me—visiting my kids and granddaughter in South Carolina, seeing family in Iowa, or heading out to my parents’ winter home in Arizona. I love to cook and bake and just be near the water. Those quieter moments—like a fall drive around Lake Winnipesaukee—are some of my favorites. Laura toured the Navajo-owned Antelope Slot Canyon in Page, Arizona, on New Year’s Eve 2024 with her parents, Norman and Mary Van Zante. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go—and why? L V : The Greek Islands. I’ve always wanted to go because of the mix of beautiful beaches, architecture, and landscapes. What energy innovation, policy, or idea are you most excited about for the future? L V :  Having worked in legal, education, and nonprofit roles for most of my career, the energy field is still new to me. But I’m excited to learn more about how CPCNH supports New Hampshire communities—and how energy systems work behind the scenes to deliver value and reliability to people every day. Combining her background in administration with a lifelong connection to community service, Laura helps CPCNH deliver on its mission through strong board and operational support. Explore more CPCNH staff and member spotlights online.

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) Board of Directors approved a rate adjustment that will go into effect starting February 1, 2026. Granite Basic rates will be between 14.0 and 14.9 ¢/kWh , depending on customer utility and rate classes. Rates are based upon CPCNH cost of service, including a community reserve adder sufficient to retire financing obligations in calendar year 2026. Retiring financing obligations and building community reserves will position local programs through CPCNH to advance their competitiveness for years to come. “Community Power rates transparently reflect the organization's cost requirements to serve our communities,” said CPCNH Board Chair Kimberley Quirk . “Our commitment to enhancing community joint reserves will help position CPCNH to continue to realize the long-term value of community power, which is rooted in local decision-making and developing a more resilient energy future. ” “ The vision of Community Power is a marathon, not a sprint, and CPCNH will continue to support our communities with the benefits that come from enhanced local control, customer choice, market innovation, project development, and public advocacy,” added Quirk. Electric customers in NH have more choice today than ever before. Customers are free to choose between Community Power, third-party options, or their utility. To opt in, out, or to select cleaner power, customers can:   Use our online portal Call 1-866-603-7697 (POWR) or email Info@CommunityPowerNH.gov View rate information on CPCNH's Residential and Commercial rates webpages or below . You can learn more about CPCNH's recent rate setting process by watching our December 19th Office Hour recording . If you would like to receive future rate notifications from CPCNH, please sign up for our emails below: View Community Power Rates by Utility Class for February – July 2026 Granite Basic Rates To view rate tables in browser mode or to share or download rate tables, hover over table and select icon with three dots in the upper right corner. Granite Plus Rates To view rate tables in browser mode or to share or download rate tables, hover over table and select icon with three dots in the upper right corner. Clean 50 Rates To view rate tables in browser mode or to share or download rate tables, hover over table and select icon with three dots in the upper right corner. Clean 100 Rates To view rate tables in browser mode or to share or download rate tables, hover over table and select icon with three dots in the upper right corner. Watch CPCNH's Recent Office Hours on 2026 Rate Setting below: To view the full archive of Office Hour recordings, visit our Office Hours webpage .

Scenes from the field as CPCNH members, Encore, and local leaders mark a milestone at New Hampshire’s largest solar site. Under clear skies in Warner, nearly 60 people gathered on the morning of November 19 to mark a powerful milestone for clean energy in New Hampshire: construction progress on the 4.99-megawatt Poverty Plains Solar Project , which will become the state’s largest community solar array when it comes online in 2026. The project will generate long-term energy savings for eleven participating CPCNH Member Communities —Barrington, Bradford, Bristol, Dover, Durham, Grantham, Hopkinton, New London, Northumberland, Pembroke and Rye—through New Hampshire’s Group Net Metering program. Co-hosted by project developer Encore Renewable Energy and the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), the customer for the power being produced, the event took place at the site of a former gravel pit, now being transformed with installed solar racking and modules. The project will also incorporate environmentally friendly land management through sheep grazing. Warner Beautification Group members Sara McNeil, Kathy Carson, and Faith Minton join Encore’s Lauren Glickman and Chad Farrell during a $20,000 check presentation. Warner Select Board Chair Harry Seidel delivers remarks. “New Hampshire has a great deal of potential when it comes to capitalizing on new energy generation solutions, and the Poverty Plains solar project is proof of what is possible,” said Chad Farrell , Founder and President of Encore Renewable Energy. Farrell added: “From lowering electricity rates to revitalizing a previously developed gravel pit, this project is contributing to a more resilient and affordable energy future for the Granite State.” Mark Bolinger , Director of Projects and Programs at CPCNH, commented on the benefits that subscribing CPCNH member communities would receive. “Because all of the subscribing Group Members are municipal accounts, this $1.5 million dollar cash influx from Group Net Metering effectively means lower property taxes for ALL residents of these eleven subscribing communities,” he said, adding that “the projected REC price savings will benefit all CPCNH members, whether or not they are residents of these eleven communities.” “What makes this project so nice is that it checks both of the boxes that our members care about: we are collectively doing something that is both good for the planet and that will help us to offer lower, more stable rates going forward,” Bolinger noted. Lisa Sweet , a CPCNH Board Director and member of the Rye Energy Committee, spoke about the direct benefits the project will bring to her town and others like it. “I feel so proud that CPCNH is using its platform to bring clean energy to New Hampshire,” said Sweet. “This project is the beginning of much more to come — and that’s worth celebrating.” Rye, one of the eleven CPCNH communities subscribing to the project, expects to receive thousands of dollars annually through Group Net Metering once the site is operational. Sweet noted that the town will use those proceeds to help launch an Energy Reserve Fund, a tool to reinvest in future energy projects like resilience upgrades, energy storage, and more. Sweet emphasized the importance of public visibility, too: “We’ll be sure to let Rye residents know exactly where this array is, so when they drive past on Interstate 89, they’ll know they helped support its development and that the Poverty Plains project is helping support energy-related projects in Rye.” State Representatives Tony Caplan  and Eileen Kelly , representing Merrimack County District 8, both addressed the crowd, highlighting Warner’s role in regional climate leadership. Caplan, who also serves on the House Committee on Science, Technology and Energy, emphasized the importance of increasing New Hampshire’s solar energy output: “We really need to make a big step forward, and this is one of those,” Caplan said. Kelly added, “This solar project in Warner is a shining example of how we can create local economic benefit while advancing our clean energy goals.” "Projects like these can decrease statewide costs, reduce grid congestion, and provide customers with the meaningful choices they want. Poverty Plains embodies the future we should strive for: community-led, cost-conscious, eco-friendly and collaborative," added Kelly. Representing Eversource , Ian Murphy  reflected on how projects like Poverty Plains demonstrate the real-world value of solar for both local communities and the broader grid. Murphy emphasized that the project helps “bring affordable power to the state,” supports job creation, and contributes to “upgrades to the grid.” The event also celebrated a $20,000 community donation from Encore to the Warner Beautification Group . The funds will support safety-focused lighting improvements at Warner’s Town Hall, addressing visibility concerns for civic events like elections and town meetings. The donation is part of Encore’s newly established Community Impact Program, which supports local initiatives with each project the company develops and delivers. “We are honored to be chosen by Warner’s Select Board to research and implement the best use of the Encore gift for our community,” said Kathy Carson of the Beautification Group. “This lighting project will be a practical and lasting testament to Encore’s commitment to Warner.” Speaking at the check presentation, Warner Select Board Chair Harry Seidel added, “This is a great example of what can happen when people work together. What a fantastic day.” Throughout the morning, guests enjoyed cider, donuts, discussions about the potential for additional clean energy resources in New Hampshire and sunny views of the solar installation underway. Representatives from several of CPCNH’s participating member communities were in attendance, underscoring the collaborative spirit behind the project. Dig Deeper: To learn more about how Group Net Metering works—and how CPCNH members benefit—watch this explainer from earlier this year: Group Net Metering Presentation by Mark Bolinger In the News: The Poverty Plains event garnered coverage across New Hampshire and beyond. Read more below: Concord Monitor: ‘Need to make a big step forward’: Largest state solar array project underway in Warner Solar Power World: 5-MW solar project coming to former gravel pit in New Hampshire North American Clean Energy: New Hampshire’s Largest Community Solar Project Under Construction at Former Gravel Pit Construction Owners News: 5-MW Solar Project to Transform Former Gravel Pit

Highlights from a Transformative Year in New Hampshire’s Community Power Landscape As the year ends, we at the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire find ourselves reflecting on a period of tremendous growth and change. In a landscape as dynamic as energy, we’re proud of the foundation we’re building—not just in megawatts or markets, but in relationships, trust, and transparency. This holiday season, we offer a few personal reflections from our staff, the people working behind the scenes to keep Community Power moving forward in the Granite State. In 2025, CPCNH served more than 175,000 customers across New Hampshire, hosted 12 virtual Office Hours sessions, and held numerous in-person events and activities across the state, from our Annual Meeting in Manchester to a summer staff kayak day on the Contoocook River . We launched interactive reporting tools to improve rate transparency, expanded access to community solar initiatives through the ASPIRE program , and welcomed new cities and towns into the Coalition following strong local votes across the state. We also marked key milestones: moving into our new headquarters in downtown Concord , hosting our largest Fall Membership Meeting yet in Waterville Valley, and co-presenting the 2025 Local Energy Solutions Conference . We celebrated the construction of the Poverty Plains Solar Array , a 4.99 MW project in Warner that will serve 11 CPCNH communities and begin delivering a projected $5 million in local benefits when it comes online in 2026. And through efforts like our summer Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Committee retreat and participation in conferences like NHMA and the NH Association of Counties, we laid strategic groundwork for policy and member engagement in the years ahead. These efforts are more than just programs and projects: they represent a broader commitment to local leadership, community engagement, and the power of collective action. As we close out the year, we’re taking a moment to reflect. Below are a few personal notes from our staff on what we’ve accomplished in 2025 and what each achievement means to us. And if you'd like more information on what's happening at CPCNH, please sign up for our emails . First, we’d like to introduce one of our newest hires: Laura Van Sant, Clerk & Administrative Assistant “A little about me: I grew up in Iowa before moving to New Hampshire, where I spent more than 30 years and raised my three children in Brentwood. I worked for nearly 12 years as a paralegal and legal assistant for Attorney Keri Marshall in Kingston, supporting a wide range of legal functions until her retirement.” “Following that transition, I moved to the Lakes Region and joined the SAU 2 Office as an assistant to the business director. There, I supported district operations and took on numerous HR responsibilities. In the fall of 2023, I relocated to South Carolina, where I served as executive assistant and board clerk for GREEN Charter Schools in Greenville. I’m now happy to be back in New Hampshire — and thrilled to be joining CPCNH!” Henry Herndon, Acting General Manager “2025 has been a year of business restructuring for CPCNH. We upgraded our risk management and financial systems, improved our office headquarters, and continued growing our staff team. These internal changes have helped lay a strong foundation for long-term, transformative value — empowering New Hampshire cities and towns to shape the future of our state’s energy marketplace.” “Serving as CPCNH’s interim executive has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my professional career. I’m thankful for the constant opportunities to grow and learn, to lead our team of staff and vendors, and to support the board through critical and complex decisions. I’m proud to work alongside the committed and engaged membership of local leaders who have taken the future of this state’s energy market into their own hands.” Jackson Kaspari, Director of Member Services “This fall marked one year for me as a CPCNH staff member, though I’ve been involved with the organization for more than four years. In 2025, I contributed to our communications and engagement strategy, supported improvements to our website, and was involved in the subscription process for the Poverty Plains Solar project. It’s very rewarding to work cross-functionally with the team to deliver a full range of services from financial reporting to emceeing events. It’s been exciting to see our work reach more communities and to celebrate another year of growth.” Deana Dennis, Director of Regulatory & Legislative Affairs “This year, I’m proud to have strengthened CPCNH’s policy and regulatory position during a time of significant challenge — advancing long-term legislative strategy, safeguarding competitive markets and helping build the foundation for New Hampshire’s future local energy marketplace.” “Navigating this year's intensity taught me the value of resilience and balance. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside a dedicated team and a membership committed to empowering New Hampshire communities.” Bobbi-Jo Michael, Director of Administration “CPCNH brings members together through our Annual and Fall Membership Meetings — moments where collaboration moves us forward. I’ve had the privilege of helping to organize these gatherings, which connect members, directors, officers and staff to share ideas, highlight community projects, and learn from industry experts. They’re also key decision-making moments, from electing board leadership to voting on initiatives that shape CPCNH’s future.” “Even after two years in this role, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our board directors, officers and committee members. Their commitment to CPCNH’s growth and success is unmatched. I'm equally proud to work alongside our small but mighty staff, who consistently give their best to advance the coalition. One thing continues to guide our work: Is this what’s best for our members?” Mark Bolinger, Director of Projects & Programs “One of the major highlights for me this year was seeing the progress of Poverty Plains Solar. We secured board approval in April, fully subscribed the project within a few months, and by November, it was under construction — on track to deliver clean, cost-effective electricity to our members starting in 2026.” “Another big step was the formation in April and launch in June of our Projects and Programs Committee. It’s been a lot of effort — brainstorming agendas, preparing for monthly meetings, leading discussions, drafting minutes and Board reports, and following up on action items — but it’s added a degree of structure and discipline to our department that had been missing. That foundation has helped us move initiatives like our first ASPIRE solicitation and its resulting proposals through the right channels for approval.” Scott May, Senior Energy Analyst “I spent much of this year focused on developing financial tools that help CPCNH and our members manage and understand resources. I created the CPCNH Revenue Forecast to support accurate forecasting of our financial position — essential for both day-to-day and long-term planning. I also developed the Cost Allocation and Benefits Report to provide members with a detailed look at their individual financial contributions and resulting benefits.” Andrew Hatch, Outreach & Engagement Manager “The Poverty Plains Solar project was a defining initiative for CPCNH’s Member Services team this year. Our team was tasked with marketing municipal Group Net Metering (GNM) credits to our membership — and the success of this inaugural effort hinged on fully subscribing more than 8 million kWh of load under a tight deadline.” “We aimed for a broad cross-section of participation, prioritizing communities geographically close to the project site in Warner, as well as smaller municipalities where the benefits would be felt most. Securing contracts meant multiple meetings with stakeholders and working out important details in real time as outreach was underway. Ultimately, we were able to secure commitments from 11 member communities — including four adjacent to the project and one all the way up in Coös County. It was a proud and collaborative milestone for our team.” Nick Gosling, Communications Manager “I joined CPCNH in February 2025 and have focused on improving how we communicate with our members, the public and other key stakeholders. That’s included enhancing our email marketing systems, building the infrastructure to record and share our Office Hours and webinar recordings, and improving the design and clarity of our communications overall.” “One project I’m especially proud of is the merging of CPCNH’s two previous websites — an initiative I led and implemented to improve the user experience and better represent the coalition as a whole.” ~~~ Thank you for reading and for being part of this growing Coalition. If you’d like to continue to stay in touch, sign up for email updates at the bottom of this page — and we’ll keep you in the loop on news, events and opportunities to get involved. Get Involved

Community Power leaders from across New Hampshire gathered for a full day of updates, strategy, and shared momentum. Representatives from 33 CPCNH member communities pose for a group photo outside the Waterville Valley Conference & Event Center during the 2025 Fall Membership Meeting, held October 29. CPCNH staff pause for a team photo after supporting a full day of member engagement and updates. On October 24, 2025, representatives from 33 CPCNH member communities gathered at the Waterville Valley Resort Conference Center—with additional seven represented virtually—for CPCNH’s Fall Membership Meeting. More than 60 people attended in person for a day of updates, learning, and collaboration. The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from Bobbi-Jo Michael , Director of Administration; Kim Quirk , Board Chair; and Jackson Kaspari , Director of Member Services, who also served as emcee for the day. Bobbi-Jo Michael, Director of Administration, welcomes members to the meeting. Director of Member Services Jackson Kaspari, who emceed the meeting. Jo-Ellen Courtney, Chair of the Member Outreach & Engagement Committee, kicks things off with New Hampshire trivia. That was followed by a lively trivia session led by Jo-Ellen Courtney , Chair of the Member Outreach and Engagement Committee. Attendees tackled fun facts about New Hampshire communities, like Hanover being the first interstate school district, Durham nearly hosting a massive oil refinery in 1974, and Canterbury and Enfield both housing Shaker museums. The mix of quirky facts and local history brought out some friendly competition, and plenty of good-natured debate over the answers. Board Chair Kim Quirk speaks on the roles and responsibilities of members and board directors. Board Chair Kim Quirk spoke next, outlining the roles and responsibilities of member representatives and board directors. Communications Manager Nick Gosling followed with a presentation on r ecent improvements to CPCNH’s website and outreach tools. Treasurer Kathleen Kelley and AGM Henry Herndon presented a financial outlook, highlighting the organization’s strong performance and future priorities . Herndon then provided a broader strategic update, while Member Services Director Jackson Kaspari walked attendees through the Cost Allocation & Benefits (CAB) report, and highlighted the improvements to the transparency of financial information available to the membership. Treasurer Kathleen Kelley reviews CPCNH’s financial performance and priorities. AGM Henry Herndon delivers CPCNH’s strategic and financial update. Board director and Peterborough representative Bruce Tucker shared how his community is putting Discretionary Reserve Funds to work—supporting solar development, EV infrastructure, and municipal energy efficiency upgrades. Doria Brown , Board Vice Chair and Nashua ’s representative, introduced the city’s new Residential Energy Coaching Program to help residents make meaningful energy efficiency upgrades that reduce costs, improve comfort and support citywide sustainability goals. Board director Bruce Tucker discusses how the town uses Discretionary Reserve Funds for local energy improvements. Board Vice Chair Doria Brown presents Nashua’s Residential Energy Coaching Program.  Director of Projects and Programs Mark Bolinger introduces the ASPIRE initiative. Director of Projects and Programs Mark Bolinger presented the ASPIRE initiative (Annual Solicitation Program to Increase Renewable Energy) and provided updates on the upcoming Poverty Plains Solar Project , expected to go live in 2026. Chase Pennoyer , President of Resilient Buildings Group (RGB), was the honored guest speaker He reflected on his journey in the energy efficiency field—starting with an internship at RGB in 2015—and discussed the organization’s work supporting municipal energy projects across New Hampshire. Chase Pennoyer, President of Resilient Buildings Group, discusses municipal energy efficiency during the 2025 Fall Membership Meeting. Later, committee leaders gave brief “elevator pitches” on their current efforts: Beth Fenstermacher – Member Outreach & Engagement Clifton Below – Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Peter Kulbacki – Risk Management Also recognized were Mark Bolinger (Projects & Programs), Joe LaMattina (Governance), Clyde Carson (Finance), Kim Quirk (Executive), and Kathleen Kelley (Audit). Beth Fenstermacher offers a snapshot of Member Outreach & Engagement Committee initiatives. Board Member Clifton Below speaks about the work of the Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Committee.  Hanover’s Peter Kulbacki gives a quick update on the work of the Risk Management Committee Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Deana Dennis closed out the presentations with an “Advocacy in Action” update — highlighting CPCNH’s recent wins, including protecting Members and customers from more than $7.1 million in cost shifts, advancing the NH Energy Forward vision for a local power market, and building strong relationships at the legislature and NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC) — while outlining the Coalition’s 2026 priorities : defending fair market competition; enabling local energy innovation; strengthening relationships and coalitions; and mobilizing member and grassroots engagement. In attendance was NH Representative Michael Vose , CPCNH’s Member Representative from Epping, who discussed upcoming legislation and his work as Chair of the House Science, Technology & Energy Committee. Deana Dennis presents CPCNH’s policy goals and upcoming advocacy efforts.  Representative Michael Vose discusses upcoming legislation and his role in the NH House. The meeting concluded with closing reflections from Chair Kim Quirk and AGM Henry Herndon , who thanked attendees and reaffirmed CPCNH’s mission to empower communities through local energy innovation.

Kathleen Kelley, CPCNH Treasurer, delivers remarks on financial performance at the Fall 2025 Member Meeting in Waterville Valley. The following remarks were delivered by Kathleen Kelley , Board Treasurer of the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire, at the Fall 2025 Member Meeting. Her remarks reflect on CPCNH’s recent challenges, financial realities, and the steps taken to strengthen the organization’s future. Kathleen Kelley, Board Treasurer Before you dive into a pool, you should always check the depth. As a lifeguard, I know this lesson well. Before elected Treasurer, I had not checked the depth. In April, I began to truly understand the complexity and depth of CPCNH challenges. During the past twelve months or two rate periods, CPCNH lost millions of reserves. Our organization challenged the utilities in 2023 in New Hampshire, and they pushed back in 2025. When we started CPCNH, we hired consultants, developed a business plan and risk policies based on best practices. Our membership offered a cost-effective path forward to less expensive, more stable, and renewable energy to municipalities, commercial and residential customers. In the first three rate periods, we thought we accumulated over $15,000,000 in net reserves, and we saved our customers as much! We built an organization in three years which is now providing $15,000,000 per month of energy to NH with an overhead budget of 5%. The board knew the energy market was regulated and complicated, so much of that 5% overhead goes to highly qualified consultants. Hedging is 50% of our costs Initial ISO Energy Costs are 20% True Up ISO Energy Costs are fluctuating around 14% Renewable Energy (RECs) Compliance Costs are 7.5% Consulting Costs are 3% Borrowing costs have risen this year to 2.7% Staffing costs are 1% The costs managed by our lean staff are driven by number of customers, number of MWH demanded by the customers, our ability to forecast that demand, our ability to forecast the weather in New Hampshire, the cost of participating in the NH energy market, the LSE contractor costs, the cost of using the utility lines, the cost of borrowing money, the cost of buying energy six to eight months in advance of delivery, the cost of not receiving revenue for 45 days after delivery, the cost of using the utility billing system, the cost of data management, and so on. Since February, the staff and our consultants have helped develop a system for measuring accurately the cost of providing energy to our customers. We can now measure price and usage variances as well as financing and budget variances. Our accounting records are more accurately matching revenue to expense. September outcomes are very close to the budget set at the time of rate forecast. The last nine months have been painful. Cash burned faster than we planned. Costs piled up. We restructured our lean staff. We stopped refreshing our customer base. We have analyzed alternative organizational structures and cost models. But we are in a better place and focused on our shared values. With a clear understanding of the true cost of service, how to set rates that cover the cost, and an updated ERPM to reduce the risks, CPCNH is able to meet the needs of residential, municipalities and commercial customers. We made a commitment to achieve stability, reduce the cost of financing, and move toward becoming an LSE able to serve all customers.

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. 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.

Images courtesy of Rooted In Light Media The 2025 Local Energy Solutions (LES) Conference convened New Hampshire’s energy community on Thursday, September 25, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. The event brought together local energy champions, municipal leaders, industry experts, and policymakers for a day of networking, highlighting success stories, and sharing of bold ideas. Hosted and organized by Clean Energy NH , LES is one of the state’s leading energy industry convenings—designed to accelerate local innovation, promote best practices, and strengthen the network of energy stakeholders across the Granite State. A returning Co-presenting Sponsor along with its strategic partner Calpine Community Energy , the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) and its leaders and member communities were highlighted throughout the conference. CPCNH has participated in LES for three consecutive years—exhibiting in 2023 and serving as Co-Presenting Sponsor with Calpine in both 2024 and 2025. We’re proud to support LES and value our ongoing collaboration with Clean Energy NH in advancing local energy solutions across the state. The conference opened with remarks from CPCNH’s AGM, Henry Herndon, who spoke about the role of local action in accelerating the state’s energy transition: “Three years ago, Community Power did not exist in New Hampshire,” said Herndon. “Today, cities and towns across our state, your cities and towns, own new democratic power agencies that supply electricity to more than 200,000 customers, roughly a quarter of electric customers in the state. This is a paradigm shift – technically, financially, and politically.” Read the full transcript of Henry's remarks here. Joining Herndon in opening LES was Josh Brock, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Calpine Community Energy, who underscored Calpine's ongoing commitment to supporting community choice aggregation nationwide and highlighted the growing impact of CPCNH in enabling energy innovation across the state. The conference highlighted a number of successful projects and programs led by member representatives and energy committee members within CPCNH member communities. In “Local Success Stories: Real Progress from the Ground Up,” Howie Wemyss, a member of the Randolph Energy Efficiency Project in Randolph, N.H., shared how an idea for a town solar project mobilized the community to pursue other energy efficiency upgrades. Town residents drafted a warrant article in just one day to establish a $20,000 Energy Efficiency Capital Reserve Fund, which enabled the town to pursue lighting audits, building upgrades, and solar installation. In its first year, the effort reduced municipal energy bills by 40%. The session underscored how persistence, local buy-in, and strategic funding mechanisms can make community-driven progress possible, even in small towns. Later in the day, the session “Back to Basics: Financing Energy Saving Projects Post OBBBA” explored how communities are adapting their local clean energy strategies in lieu of federal tax credits and key funding programs. Dori Drachman, a CPCNH member representative from Peterborough and the chair of the board of directors of the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, shared how the Hub is preparing to launch a new privately funded grant initiative to help low- and moderate-income households. The program will help households afford energy upgrades and projects, such as cold-climate heat pumps, weatherization, electrical panel improvements, residential solar systems, batteries and electric vehicles. This initiative is modeled on similar publicly funded efforts in Peterborough and Harrisville and is designed to offer greater flexibility in the absence of now-delayed federal rebates. “We’re building on successful models in the region to offer flexible, resident-focused funding for electrification,” said Drachman. “By leveraging private support, we can help fill gaps left by federal programs and keep the momentum going at the community level.” Several communities were recognized during the lunch session for achieving designation through the national SolSmart program , which honors local governments for advancing solar energy development. Among the awardees were three CPCNH member communities: Barrington, which advanced from Bronze to Gold in 2025; Stratham, which earned Silver; and Hopkinton, a new designee. Other recognized towns included Hampton and Dublin, both honored for their solar leadership. Additional CPCNH members previously awarded include Portsmouth (Bronze, 2024), Bedford (Bronze in 2023, Silver in 2024), Lebanon (Silver, 2019), and Peterborough (Gold, 2022). As the clean energy landscape continues to evolve, the LES Conference remains a powerful platform for leadership, collaboration, and community empowerment. CPCNH is proud to support and participate in this vital event, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to build an energy future that is affordable, and community centered.