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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.

Some races are about time. Others are about place. For me, the New Hampshire Marathon, held October 3, was about both — but more than anything, it was about people. It was my first marathon, and somehow, I won it. I chose the race because it winds through my hometown of Bristol, and I knew running there would be meaningful. My kids were at the finish line. My parents, who have each run over a dozen marathons, were cheering from the sidelines. My sister Abbey even jumped in to run the final three miles with me. My nieces and nephew were there, too. The course was familiar — but what made it unforgettable was sharing it with the people who’ve shaped my life. I’ve been a runner for more than 20 years, starting on the trails of Inter-Lakes High School in Meredith, N.H., and later running cross country and track at the University of New Hampshire. After college, I stepped away from racing to focus on family. But in the past few years, I’ve returned to it with new goals and fresh energy. This year, I set my sights on breaking 18 minutes in the 5K and running my first marathon. I didn’t expect to place in my first marathon, let alone win it — but consistent training and encouragement from friends in the running community helped carry me across the finish line.  This fall turned out to be one of my best running seasons yet. I placed third at the North Conway Half Marathon in September, then won the Warner Fall Foliage Festival 5K in October, a week after my marathon. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to run in several CPCNH member communities — including Warner, Conway, Concord, Franklin, Lebanon, Canterbury, and Bristol. And in many cases, I've gotten to know these communities better. Running in these cities and towns has given me the opportunity to explore new places, meet local residents, and feel more connected to the communities I help support through my work with CPCNH. Returning to running has been good for me — physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s also become something I share with my kids. They’ve both participated in the Healthy Kids Running Series, and my son runs a couple of 5Ks with me each year. Having them involved makes the experience more meaningful — and much more fun. 📍 See full New Hampshire Marathon results here: https://nhmarathon.com/results

After several months of planning, packing, and preparation, the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has officially moved into a new office located at 100 North Main Street , Suite 504, in downtown Concord. The view from CPCNH’s new offices at 100 N. Main Street in Concord reflects a year of transformation—focused on restructuring, refinement, and long-term community impact. The relocation marks a major milestone for the Coalition, which began its work from two offices — one on Dixon Avenue in Concord and the other on West Park Street in Lebanon. As CPCNH has grown, so has its need for a larger, more centralized workspace to support its expanding team and operations. “We have a standing open invitation to all members and customers to come visit us at the new Headquarters – 100 N. Main, Suite 504, Concord, NH 03301,” said Henry Herndon, AGM. “The new space is for the Members, the Board, the Committees, and the staff – the move is part of our continual improvements to culture and business structure.” The process of identifying and securing a new headquarters began earlier this year, with CPCNH staff exploring multiple office spaces across downtown Concord. The goal: to find a location that would support long-term growth, foster collaboration, and place the Coalition in closer proximity to partners and policymakers. The move itself unfolded across several weeks in August, with packing completed at both office locations by mid-month. August 27 marked the primary move-in day, as staff came together to set up the new space, coordinate logistics, and settle into their new home base. The new office features a large boardroom for meetings and collaboration, as well as expanded desk space to accommodate new hires and growing project teams. Located just steps from the State House, it offers a central, accessible location for continued engagement with members, legislators, and other stakeholders. Curious about the people behind the mission? Check out our Member and Staff Spotlights for a closer look at the communities and individuals powering CPCNH’s work.

Henry Herndon opens the 2025 Local Energy Solutions Conference in Manchester, NH. Photo courtesy of Rooted in Light Media. CPCNH AGM Henry Herndon opened the 2025 Local Energy Solutions (LES) Conference  with a powerful reflection on New Hampshire’s evolving energy landscape. Speaking to a packed audience of community leaders, policymakers, and energy innovators, Herndon framed the past two years as a time of transformational change—where local communities have stepped forward to lead a new era of democratic energy governance. His full remarks are shared below: Good morning. It is an honor to give opening remarks at Local Energy Solutions here in the 18th year. Having worked with many of you to organize this conference in years past, joining you today feels like coming home. This morning, I want to talk about the recent transformation of New Hampshire’s energy market – the democratic restructuring that has taken place over just the past two years. Three years ago, Community Power did not exist in New Hampshire. 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. Technically, the knowledge, expertise, and the ability to participate directly in energy markets now resides in our local communities. Financially, hundreds of millions of dollars in electricity revenues – and the choice about how to invest net revenues – are now under local control. And politically, towns and cities have a stronger voice than ever in shaping state energy policy. This is a second major restructuring of the state energy market. The first, in the 1990s, opened regional wholesale power markets to competition. Today, Community Power is doing the same by bringing competition and innovation to the retail side of the market. Already, CPCNH is contracting to develop one of New Hampshire’s largest community solar projects – the 5-megwatt Poverty Plains array in Warner – and that is very much just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how this market will enable local energy investments. Our Community Power market is young, but the foundation has been laid. These agencies are here to stay. As they grow – and as partnerships with distribution utilities, industry, and policymakers mature – our communities deepen their capacity to remove barriers, improve policy frameworks, foster innovation, develop local energy projects and programs, and deliver more value to the communities they serve. The untapped energy value in New Hampshire lies in the local market — in empowering customers, managing load, and integrating clean, distributed resources. It is exciting to be at the beginning of this new paradigm shift. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you over the coming years as we continue to grow and evolve our local energy market. Thank you — and welcome to Local Energy Solutions 2025.

Past and present CPCNH Board members gather in the Dixon Avenue conference room, where Edward Burtynsky’s oil field photographs offered a striking counterpoint to conversations about energy transition, governance, and community empowerment. When visitors stepped into the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire’s former office at 14 Dixon Avenue in Concord, many paused at the sight of two enormous landscape photographs dominating a conference room wall. Created by renowned photographer Edward Burtynsky, the images depicted oil fields at dawn — vast stretches of black derricks and jack pumps casting long shadows across the California desert.   The photos were striking — and provocative.   “Don’t you work in clean energy?” some asked, surprised by the intensity of the industrial scene above the meeting table. The question underscored the tension at the heart of the display — and the reason the images were there in the first place. “I like that they provoke some kind of feeling, reaction, discussion out of people,” says Herndon. “They make me think about the great American Century, the industrial revolution, our ongoing transformation into the modern world.”   Henry Herndon, CPCNH AGM, sits beside Edward Burtynsky’s commanding diptych of California oil fields — a visual reminder of the industrial roots from which today’s energy transformation is emerging. Far from being out of place, the Burtynsky images offered a compelling visual counterpoint to CPCNH’s mission. They reminded all who passed through the office that our energy system is constantly evolving and part of a longer history — one built on earlier forms of power and shaped by the infrastructure of the past.   The photographs were part of a larger collection  assembled over six decades by Terry and Eva Herndon, Henry Herndon’s grandparents. The collection focused on American artworks tied to the automobile and energy — and how these themes shape American landscapes, infrastructure, politics, and culture — themes that Burtynsky’s oil fields explore with both scale and detail.   Each image stands nearly floor-to-ceiling, and depending on the time of day, they appeared alternately serene or intense. The interplay of light and machinery in the photos reflected the evolving nature of energy systems — once dominated by fossil fuels, and now increasingly defined by innovation in renewables and local control.   For CPCNH, the oil fields served as more than decoration. They became a quiet but resonant reminder of where we’ve been, and a prompt to consider the possibilities of what comes next.   In September 2025, CPCNH moved out of the Dixon Ave office, closing a chapter in its early organizational history. Though the Burtynsky photographs no longer hang above the conference table, their presence endures. They told a story not just about energy, but about vision, transformation, and progress — themes that continue to shape the Coalition’s work across New Hampshire.

When the town of Kensington , NH, set out to explore solar energy for its historic town hall (built 1846), it wasn’t just about reducing electric bills. It was about proving that modern energy systems can live in harmony with centuries-old architecture—and that even small towns can lead the way in innovation. This summer, the town unveiled a sleek 26.4-kilowatt DC rooftop solar array on the white clapboard municipal building that serves as the heart of the community. The system is projected to offset roughly 70% of the town hall’s annual electricity use. Fast Facts Project: Kensington Town Hall Rooftop Solar System Size: 26.4 kW DC / 20 kW AC Estimated Offset: ~70% of building’s electricity use Installer: Harmony Energy Works Incorporated Funding: ~$92,000 grant via NH Municipal Solar Grant Program (now discontinued) First completed project under the state pilot Project Partners: Town of Kensington, CPCNH, Heritage Committee, Harmony Energy Works “This isn’t a solar farm,” said Zeke Schmois, Chair of Kensington’s Energy Committee and the town's representative to CPCNH. “But it’s huge for a town like ours with such a small budget and such a small population.” From the beginning, the project was about more than energy savings. The town was determined to install a system that blended seamlessly with the aesthetics of its 19th-century town hall. That required both creative thinking and strong collaboration. “We wanted the panels to disappear into the roofline,” said Schmois. “We spent a lot of time with the installer looking at panel color, layout, and wiring routes to make sure everything looked clean. I think the result speaks for itself.” The project received a $92,000 grant through the state’s Municipal Solar Grant Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. While the program was short-lived and has since lost funding in the state’s new budget, Kensington’s array stands as the first and only completed project under the pilot. “We worked with multiple towns and cities who were interested in the Grant program,” said George Horrocks, President of Harmony Energy Works . “Kensington was the only town that had done enough planning to make this work in such a timely manner.” “For us, it was a good partnership, and we applaud the Kensington Energy Committee and Heritage Commission and its Select Board,” he added. Harmony Energy Works, based in Hampton, NH, specializes in commercial solar arrays and residential solar installations. Kensington’s success wasn’t accidental. The process began with curiosity and community engagement, led by a core group of volunteers. During the application process, the town received a letter of support from CPCNH—something that helped strengthen their grant proposal. Later on, as the project neared completion, CPCNH staff worked with the town to enable it to sell its Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) back to the Coalition. Though those sales won’t begin until early 2026 due to standard processing timelines, the town’s solar energy will soon contribute directly to CPCNH’s growing renewable energy supply. “Kensington’s project is a great example of how community leadership, historic sensitivity, and good technical design can come together to deliver a highly visible and replicable result,” said Mark Bolinger, Director of Projects & Programs with CPCNH. Still, installing solar on a historic building brought its own challenges. Community education played a major role. The Energy Committee hosted meetings, coordinated with town officials, and provided visuals to show how the panels would appear. “Zeke called me very early in the project to explain the opportunity,” said Lynne Monroe, chair of Kensington’s Heritage Commission. “I told him it was a great idea—if we could make it work. Protecting the historic building, which is so visible and significant to our town center, had to come first.” “He agreed, and we began discussing possibilities,” added Monroe. “The Heritage Commission emphasized that the panels needed to match the black roof, extend to the roof’s edge, and avoid silver dots or other visual interruptions. We also had an engineer familiar with historic framing verify that the installation would not overload the original roof trusses.” The project received unanimous support from the Heritage Commission following its careful review. “We’re very pleased with the outcome,” said Monroe. “It’s funny how many people drive past Town Hall without even noticing the panels. That’s a sign of success.” She added: “We’re proud to have helped find a solution that preserves the character of the building, is reversible, and contributes to our town’s transition to clean energy in a public facility.” Monroe also noted that the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is now featuring the project in its best-practices guidance for solar installations on historic buildings—a sign that the Kensington effort could serve as a model for others across the state. Construction wrapped up in early July, just in time for the height of summer sun. During a ribbon-cutting event , town officials, residents, and project partners gathered to celebrate not only a completed installation, but a new model for small-town sustainability. “This was really a team effort,” said Schmois. “It took persistence, local buy-in, and technical know-how. Hopefully this makes it easier for the next small town to say, ‘We can do that too.’” In an era where the clean energy transition often feels out of reach for small communities, Kensington proves that innovation can happen anywhere—even atop a nearly 200-year-old town hall.

Renewable energy in action: solar panels and wind turbines like those ASPIRE is designed to support. 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) 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.  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—by compensating them for connecting accounts with the project. 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 or provide an avenue to conduct other energy projects. 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 its member programs. 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 📁 Related Resources: Group Net Metering Overview Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Program

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire’s (CPCNH) Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Committee (RLAC) hosted a Summer Retreat in August 2025 to reflect on recent accomplishments and begin shaping advocacy priorities and strategies for the year ahead. Organized by RLAC Chair Clifton Below and Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Deana Dennis, the retreat brought together RLAC Members, CPCNH Board Members, staff, and key stakeholders for a collaborative and forward-looking discussion. From left to right: Sam Evans-Brown (Clean Energy NH), Sarah Burke Cohen (New Hampshire Municipal Association), Matthew Fossum (NH Office of the Consumer Advocate), and Chris Skoglund (Clean Energy NH) participate in a roundtable during CPCNH’s 2025 Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Retreat. The agenda featured insights from a range of policy leaders and advocates, including Sam Evans-Brown and Chris Skoglund of Clean Energy NH (CENH) , Sarah Burke Cohen of the New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA), and Matthew Fossum from the Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA). “This retreat was about taking a strategic pause to understand what we've accomplished so far this year and where we need to focus next,” said Dennis. “The participation from external partners helped ground our work in the bigger picture, while reinforcing that our member-led model brings a valuable perspective to the table.” CPCNH Board Members and participants engage in collaborative discussion during the 2025 Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Retreat, identifying advocacy strategies and legislative priorities for the 2026 session. Attendees discussed equity issues between default service and Community Power Aggregations (CPAs) and shared ideas for advancing policies that support local control, energy innovation, and affordability. Clifton Below, Committee Chair and Immediate Past Chair of the CPCNH Board, emphasized the importance of proactive engagement in state policymaking: “As we prepare for the 2026 legislative session, we’ll be focused on policies that uphold local control, promote competitive markets, especially for distributed energy resources, and advance community benefits,” said Below. The group also identified several emerging legislative priorities for 2026: Advancing consensus-based components of the NH Energy Forward Act, including a pay-for-performance incentive structure for distributed storage and generation, designed to optimize grid and ratepayer value, including enabling energy storage as part of net metering; Providing greater flexibility for CPAs to use discretionary reserves through clarifications to the state’s revolving fund statute (RSA 31:95-h); Addressing disparities between utility default service and CPA offerings to create a more level playing field for Community Power programs. To help members stay involved and informed, CPCNH will host two upcoming Office Hours sessions dedicated to legislative and regulatory engagement. On December 5 , members can join the 2026 Legislative Preview , and on January 23 , the session will focus on Legislative Updates and Advocacy Opportunities , offering tools and strategies for participating in the legislative process. Additional resources—including CPCNH’s bill tracker , recent regulatory filings, and tools for getting involved—are available on the Public Advocacy webpage . Members and the public are encouraged to explore these materials and support CPCNH’s mission to advance equitable, community-driven energy solutions across New Hampshire.

A new white paper published by LEAN Energy US highlights the growth of Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs across the country, with a focus on the development and structure of CCAs in New Hampshire. The report includes a detailed case study on the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), which began serving customers in 2023 and now operates the state’s only coalition-based aggregation model. LEAN Energy US is a national nonprofit that supports the formation and operation of CCAs. Its report, The Rise of Community Choice Aggregation , compares the design and implementation of CCA programs in four states—California, Massachusetts, Ohio, and New Hampshire. It includes insights from CPCNH AGM Henry Herndon, who describes the coalition’s growth and structure, including its Joint Powers Agency (JPA) governance model and statewide membership. In his interview included in the report, Herndon described three key enablers that led to the success of CPCNH: Organizing the communities—[CPCNH] really engaged and organized active community leaders or having an organizer and participate with one voice effectively. Policy expertise and capacity, including the ability to understand and engage effectively in state policy and regulation. And the third piece is technical, individuals who understand the industry, the business and markets, to empower and localize the community. “There are three pillars — community organization, policy expertise, and technical/industry know-how,” added Herndon, “and by bringing those together in a Joint Powers Agency, we have the ingredients to lead the evolution of our energy economy for the benefit of New Hampshire.” The report outlines CPCNH’s evolution from initial organizing efforts in 2019 to its official launch in 2023 , highlighting key milestones along the way. These include securing grant funding and launching legal and technical planning in 2020; forming a Joint Powers Agreement with 14 founding communities in 2021; and issuing major RFPs for market and operational services in 2022. The report also features CPCNH’s Discretionary Adder program —an innovation unique to New Hampshire—which enables member municipalities to fund local energy projects through revenues from community energy sales, giving communities a direct mechanism to support their clean energy goals. The report outlines CPCNH’s progression from early organizing in 2019 through its official launch in 2023. It notes the coalition’s plans to develop a 4.999 MW solar project and evolve into a Load Serving Entity (LSE) within ISO New England. CPCNH has also served approximately 1.2 million MWh of energy to date, with communities selecting renewable energy levels from 25.2% up to 100%, using regionally sourced Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The white paper concludes that while there is no single model for implementing CCAs in New Hampshire represent a strong example of community-driven energy planning. The report recommends that national organizations support a wide range of CCA structures and continue building tools for local education and engagement. As the paper’s author, Deepa Vedavyas , writes, “CCA leaders are the most driven and highly capable force in the energy sector, championing community participation, clean energy acceleration, and energy democracy.” Download the full paper below: