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New Regulatory Method to Increase Rate Volatility Eversource, Unitil, and Liberty Utilities, at the direction of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), are adopting a new approach to power supply purchasing and rate setting for the period effective February 1 – July 31, 2025. The new method reduces rate stability by shifting risk from power suppliers to retail customers, resulting in over- or under-collections that will impact future ratepayers. The PUC is also directing utilities to shift any costs from this change away from customers purchasing utility supply to everyone, including competitive supply and Community Power customers. The resulting cross subsidization of utility supply customers by non-utility supply customers goes against the longstanding ratemaking principle of cost causation, in other words, not charging customers for costs they had nothing to do with. How Did IOU's Procure Power Previously? Up until now, investor-owned utilities (IOUs) have been required to provide default power supply as a “safety net” for customers by purchasing six months of fixed-price electricity from a supplier with the lowest bid, guaranteeing a rate for the term. Under this traditional model, the competitive supplier that wins the bid wears the risk of guaranteeing the power at a fixed price while operating in the dynamic and sometimes volatile electricity commodity market. As a result, utility default supply rates include some “risk premium” to cover the risk borne by the supplier as a tradeoff to protecting customers from daily, weekly, and monthly price swings. Six-month rate periods typically run from February through July and from August through January. What is the New Method for IOU Procurement? For the upcoming February through July period, Eversource and Unitil will only purchase 70% of the power for small residential and commercial customers at a fixed price while leaving the remaining 30% exposed to spot prices in the commodity market. Liberty Utilities will lock in 50% of its small customer purchases at a fixed rate while leaving the rest open to commodity market pricing. Under this new regulatory framework, regulators and utilities estimate what pricing in the commodity market will be for Eversource and Unitil’s 30% exposures and Liberty’s 50% exposure during the upcoming six-month period. There are three potential outcomes: 1. Rates are set accurately: at the end of the six-month period, customer payments have covered the costs incurred to supply their power. 2. Rates are underpriced: at the end of the six-month period, market prices have resulted in higher costs than what was collected from customers. These higher costs are passed on to future ratepayers through increases in future rates. 3. Rates are overpriced: at the end of the six-month period, market prices resulted in lower costs than what was collected from customers. These lower costs are passed on to future ratepayers through reduced rates. While all three scenarios are possible, CPCNH is concerned that increased volatility will be passed onto future customers for the costs of previous utility default supply service customers. CPCNH is especially concerned with the possibility that competitive supply and Community Power customers will have to pay for costs that are related to a product they were not using. Non-Utility Customers to Subsidize Under-Collections of Utility Customers The PUC has directed Eversource and Unitil to propose approaches for shifting higher costs away from the utility supply customers and moving those costs to all distribution customers. If this cost-shifting approach is implemented, customers in the competitive market (competitive supply customers, community power customers) will subsidize the cost of under-collections from Eversource and Unitil default supply through an increase in utility distribution rates. Regulators are directing that higher supply costs be socialized to all customers through increases in distribution rates while lower costs from reductions to the cost of Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance be remitted as credits to utility supply customers only. This means that the utility default supply rate is being selectively lowered by the PUC by treating reconciliation of two types of costs differently. This is anti-competitive, and forces competitive market and community power customers to pay for utility supply costs in addition to their chosen supply option. How Does this Compare to How CPCNH Buys Power and Sets Rates? Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) actively manages a portfolio of wholesale power contracts in accordance with our Energy Portfolio Risk Management Policy and Regulations . On an ongoing basis, CPCNH forecasts the expected electricity load of our customers based on historical usage patterns and purchases forward contracts for power at fixed prices. This strategy allows CPCNH to lock in prices for future supplies of power, mitigating the impact of price spikes in the commodity market. Our policies and regulations require that we fix certain percentages of our power portfolio as forward hedges, limiting the amount our customers may be exposed to market price swings. CPCNH calculates our revenue requirement as the sum of our expected power supply costs, operating costs, and costs to accrue financial reserves according to our Retail Rates Policy . A graphic comparing CPCNH and utility rates over time is included below: Additional Reading: Order No. 27,086 Approving Solicitations; Establishing Deferral Accounts for ReconciliationRelated Balances; Requiring Re-Filling of Default Service Rates by December 20, 2024; and Requiring Filing of Company Proposal for Expanded Market-0Based Procurements by January 31, 2025 Order No. 27,022 Approving Solicitations, and Requesting Re-Filing of Energy Service Rates by July 10, 2024 DE 24-046 – 2024-07-24 Office of the Consumer Advocate Motion for Rehearing DE 24-046 - 2024-07-19 Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire and NRG Retail Companies Joint Motion for Rehearing Comment Template Recipients: info@unitil.com CC: clerksoffice@puc.nh.gov ; jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov ; Christopher.j.ellmsjr@energy.nh.gov ; Donald.M.Kreis@oca.nh.gov PUC; DOE Commissioner; Deputy Commissioner; Office of Consumer Advocate Subject Line: Opposition to Shifting of Unitil Supply Costs onto Non-Unitil Supply Customers (PUC Docket No. DE 24-065) Email Text: (COPY and PASTE the following into the body of your email) To Unitil Chairman and CEO Thomas Meissner, I am writing to express my opposition to shifting costs from customers on Unitil energy service onto customers not purchasing energy service from Unitil. Please express this concern in your response to the Public Utilities Commission on December 20th . It is my understanding that the Public Utility Commission has requested that Unitil shift costs associated with Unitil energy supply onto customers who were and are not taking Unitil energy supply. I am not in support of Unitil charging customers through rates that had nothing to do with the costs that are being charged. Customers that are not participating in Unitil energy supply should not be put at risk for paying for the costs of Unitil energy supply. Customers who buy power in the competitive market, from a competitive supplier, or from Community Power should not have to pay the costs for Unitil energy service. I urge Unitil to explain to the PUC on December 20th why this practice is harmful to New Hampshire ratepayers, undermines the competitive supply market, and why the PUC should not force Unitil to shift costs of Unitil power supply onto customers that have made a choice to not to use Unitil’s supply rates. I am copying the PUC Clerk, the Department of Energy, and the Office of Consumer Advocate on this email so that my concern will be entered into PUC Docket No. DE 24-065 as a public comment. Sincerely, NAME / TOWN of RESIDENCE

Consumers and Fair Market Competition Win Precedent-Setting Policy Victory On May 20, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued a precedent-setting decision upholding the principles of fair market competition and rejecting proposals that would have unfairly shifted energy supply costs. The ruling, issued in a Unitil Energy Services docket , marks a significant victory for consumers, municipalities, and the competitive energy market . Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) applauds the Commission’s decision. In 2024, the PUC directed utilities to explore moving utility energy supply costs into non-bypassable stranded cost charges. Had these proposals been implemented, they would have undermined fair competition by embedding utility energy costs into fixed charges that non-participating customers would be forced to pay — regardless of their supplier choice. Communities, businesses, and residents across New Hampshire spoke out at the legislature, in local media, and before the Commission. This decision demonstrates the power of our collective voices, and that we have been heard in our stand to protect competitive markets in New Hampshire. The ruling sets precedent for similar proposals under review, including those in an ongoing Eversource proceeding. Local Solar and Hydro Generators Benefit from Fair Market Ruling The ruling also protects compensation for local renewable generators. Under New Hampshire’s net metering policy, small and mid-sized solar, hydro, and other renewable generators are compensated at the utility’s energy supply rate. Had the cost shifting been approved, it would have artificially suppressed those rates, reducing the value of local clean energy without justification. Creating a Vibrant Local Power Market Looking ahead, New Hampshire has an opportunity to unlock more value from local energy resources by modernizing key systems that support market operations. Recent regulatory proceedings have highlighted challenges in utility-administered systems — such as load settlement, metering, and data management — that the energy market relies on. These systems, managed by utilities like Eversource, are flawed and fail to recognize or reward customer-driven energy investments. The regulatory proceedings have exposed how outdated market systems can misrepresent customer electricity use and penalize competitive suppliers. In one case, Eversource claimed a $6.5 million loss due to customers switching to competitive supply. Testimony later revealed that the real cause was anomalies in the utility’s load settlement system — the process used to estimate and report customer energy use to ISO New England. Other limitations in these systems make it harder for suppliers like CPCNH to source power locally, such as crediting solar generation from net-metered customers instead of relying solely on wholesale purchases. These issues highlight the need for system updates that reflect real customer behavior and support accurate market operations. What is Load Settlement – and Why Does it Matter? Load settlement is the process used to match customers’ electricity use with the power purchased by suppliers in the wholesale market. For customers without interval meters, utilities use "class average load shapes" to estimate hourly usage based on customer type (e.g., residential or commercial). ISO New England uses this data to allocate costs to suppliers. However, this averaging fails to reflect how customers actually use — or generate — electricity. Some have solar panels, batteries, or electric vehicles that can provide value and shift their usage to lower-cost times. These actions reduce overall demand, but the current system often doesn’t recognize those savings. As a result, a customer might be using less power — or even supplying it — while being reported as a consumer. This misalignment leads to overcharges in the wholesale market and undervalues the local energy market. Solar inverters, batteries, EV chargers already collect accurate data that is ready to be used. With smarter systems — and the right updates to policy and regulatory frameworks — we can ensure customers are credited fairly, and the market functions more efficiently. Conclusion Consumers, cities and towns, and the competitive energy market have won a critical defensive victory. The PUC’s decision preserves fair competition and prevents cost shifts that would have distorted energy prices. Looking ahead, we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively — with regulators, utilities, communities, and industry — to modernize energy systems and continue building a smarter, more responsive electric market for New Hampshire.

CPCNH Incorporates with Membership of 13 Municipalities and 1 County Originally published: October 2021 A New Era of Local Energy Choice Begins in New Hampshire Concord, NH – October 1, 2021 — Do you know where your power comes from? If you live in select municipalities in New Hampshire, soon you will be able to have more control over the source of your electricity. On this day in history, thirteen municipalities and one county joined together to incorporate the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH). This groundbreaking formation marked the beginning of a new kind of nonprofit, a Joint Powers Agency dedicated to supporting cities and towns in launching Community Power programs. These programs, made possible by amendments to RSA 53-E enacted in 2019, enable municipalities to aggregate and sell electricity on a community-wide scale — giving communities a seat at the energy table. “This is the most exciting thing to happen to the electricity sector in New Hampshire in decades,” said Don Kreis, New Hampshire’s Consumer Advocate. “If you are fortunate enough to live in a Community Power municipality, your municipality is going to be intimately involved in delivering to you not just cheaper electricity, but a whole menu possibly of energy initiatives that will deliver concrete benefits to you, that it will make you a more empowered and flexible consumer of the electricity grid and of energy generally.” Meet the Founding Members The founding members included the cities of Lebanon , Nashua , and Dover ; towns of Hanover , Harrisville , Exeter , Rye , Warner , Walpole , Plainfield , Newmarket , Enfield , and Durham ; and Cheshire County . Each member community appointed Directors and Alternates to serve on CPCNH’s inaugural Board of Directors. At the Coalition’s first board meeting: April Salas (Hanover) was elected Chair Clifton Below (Lebanon), Vice-Chair Evan Oxenham (Plainfield), Secretary Nick Devonshire (Exeter), Treasurer Doria Brown (Nashua) was appointed to the Executive Committee These early leaders helped chart the course for what has become one of the most impactful municipal collaborations in the state. “A lot of work has occurred over the past two years to get us to this point, and I’m thrilled that we are kicking off the Coalition with such a robust and diverse membership,” said Hanover Sustainability Director April Salas. “This new institution is going to have a real impact in empowering our cities and towns to really lead on energy issues.” A Vision for Community Power “Community Power Aggregation is a deliberate double entendre,” said Clifton Below , Assistant Mayor of Lebanon and primary author of the enabling legislation. “We will be providing electric power in aggregate to our communities, with the goal of lowering costs and expanding access to renewable energy and other innovations. But the Coalition also aggregates the political power of communities so their interests may be better represented in state policy decisions that impact energy.” At launch, the Coalition’s 13 city and town members represented more than 210,000 residents, or roughly 15% of New Hampshire’s population, with the potential to serve an electric load larger than Liberty Utilities and comparable to Unitil and New Hampshire Electric Co-op. Growing a Movement Coalition membership remains open to all New Hampshire cities, towns, counties, and regionally operated Community Power programs. CPCNH operates transparently under the Right to Know Law, and all official meetings are open to the public. “It is finally here” was a resonant sentiment heard often throughout the day. Consultants Samuel Golding and Henry Herndon have been working with these fourteen municipalities, among others, over the last year and a half to help form and launch the Coalition. The inaugural board meeting and incorporation were followed by a luncheon, where the long-term supporters were recognized for their trailblazing work. Closing remarks were given by Lebanon Assistant Mayor Clifton Below, who was elected Vice-Chair of the Coalition. Looking Back, Moving Forward This foundational moment in October 2021 set the stage for everything CPCNH has since accomplished. From initial incorporators to statewide energy leaders, our journey continues to grow thanks to the visionary support of these founding members.

The new homepage of CommunityPowerNH.gov offers a streamlined experience for customers, members, and communities exploring local energy solutions. We’re excited to announce that the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire has a new central website: CommunityPowerNH.gov . This new site brings together all of CPCNH’s content into one easy-to-use platform — streamlining your experience whether you're a customer, community member, or simply curious about how Community Power works. Previously, CPCNH maintained two separate websites. With this redesign and merger, we’ve made it easier than ever to find the information you need — all in one place. What’s New? The new menu structure is designed with real users in mind. Whether you’re looking to: Discover CPCNH and its mission, services, and advocacy work; View rates for your Member community and/or opt in, opt up, or opt out; Learn more about each Member community and its Community Power program; or Find Community Power resources and information. At the top of each webpage, you'll find links to critical resources and information about CPCNH and a new user-focused menu. And at the bottom of each webpage, you'll find an additional menu designed to serve customers and members alike. "Bringing everything under one roof at CommunityPowerNH.gov allows us to better serve customers, members, and partners alike — with clearer navigation, more accessible information, and a unified platform that reflects the full scope of CPCNH’s work." — Nick Gosling, CPCNH Communications Manager Why It Matters This site is more than just a fresh look. It reflects our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community engagement — ensuring that New Hampshire residents and businesses can easily navigate the evolving energy landscape. Help Us Spread the Word We encourage you to: Bookmark CommunityPowerNH.gov as your go-to source for updates, tools, and resources. Share the site with neighbors, family, and local groups who may want to learn more about Community Power. Together, we’re helping communities across New Hampshire take charge of their energy future — and now, we’ve made it easier than ever to stay informed and connected.

View Community Power Rates Electricity rates are scheduled to increase for utilities and suppliers across New Hampshire. The electricity market is driven by factors such as the regional and global price of natural gas and other fossil fuels, availability of fuel and electricity supply, customer demand, and weather events. New England’s electricity market is heavily dependent on the price of natural gas, which is driven by global market trends and can react with volatility to geopolitical events around the world. On Thursday June 26, 2025, the CPCNH Board of Directors approved a rate adjustment that will go into effect starting August 1, 2025. For the typical residential customer, rates will increase from 9.7 ¢/kWh to between 13.2 – 13.7 ¢/kWh, depending on the cost to serve different customers. Visit CPCNH's Residential Rates and Commercial Rates webpages to view all rate options. Some utility rates include partial adders to collect prior period losses, while some losses are deferred for collection in future periods. As a result of engagement across our membership and CPCNH testimony before the PUC , utility under-collections will be recovered in utility supply rates and not as added charges to Community Power and market customers. Through the Coalition, members help ensure state energy policy decisions reflect customer interests and unlock greater value by modernizing our energy system. Community Power Coalition of NH is controlled by its members and makes our state more energy independent. Through our public power agency, members are beginning to see the benefits of developing local projects like the 5-megawatt Poverty Plains community solar array in Warner (equivalent to ~1,200 households) scheduled to come online in 2026. Development of locally controlled energy assets can enable long-term stability, cost savings, and greater energy security. 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 , located at communitypowernh.gov Call 1-866-603-7697 (POWR) or email Info@CommunityPowerNH.gov View Community Power Rates by Utility Class for Aug. 2025 – Jan. 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. How are Community Power rates determined? Over the past six months, CPCNH personnel have made significant technical improvements to core power resources and financial business systems. CPCNH now has confidence in the functionality and accuracy of systems and tools for (1) load forecasting, (2) financial modeling, (3) cost of service analysis, (4) rate setting. Improvements to our load forecast model enable more accurate predictions of the patterns of customer electricity usage over time to inform energy purchasing and portfolio management. The improved load forecast connects to newly constructed probabilistic cashflow model to create a clear view of CPCNH’s financial position and outlook across multiple scenarios. We then conduct a cost-of-service analysis to create a detailed understanding of all cost drivers. Costs are then allocated across different customer classes (e.g., residential vs. general service) and utility territories to ensure fair cost allocation and to minimize cost shifting. The resulting rate setting scenarios from these improved technical systems ensure informed decision-making and that rates cover costs. Rate scenarios are publicly deliberated by CPCNH’s Risk Management and Finance Committees and approved by our Board of Directors. Why do different classes of customers, and customers served by different utilities, pay different electric rates? What are “cost-of-service” rates? Customer classes in different utility territories have different costs of service. This is visible in the variation in supply rates charged by different utility companies. The difference in residential rates across utility territories is primarily driven by varying energy capacity costs. These costs are charged to CPCNH by ISO New England to ensure sufficient generating capacity for system reliability. CPCNH follows cost causation principles, meaning customers should pay for costs associated with serving them and not those associated with serving other customers. Cost of service rates ensure fair treatment of customers and equitable contributions to joint reserves by different member cities and towns. What are the components of the rate? Rates for the upcoming period are set to cover a forecasted total of $96,829,495 in costs, including: 86.4% energy supply ($83,628,968) ** 8.6% contribution to members’ joint reserves ($8,370,236) 5.0% operating expense ($4,830,291) Members’ joint reserves support local control, ensure long-term stability, and enable members to finance local energy investments to increase energy independence. CPCNH aims to meet minimum reserve targets to cover 60 days of expenses over a 3-year period. **Includes energy, capacity, other ISO-NE charges, Purchase of Receivables discount, annual rate adjustment, and the RPS obligations.

Interactive map and rate tables offer more transparency and control for NH residents and businesses As Community Power continues to grow across New Hampshire, the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) is committed to making it easier than ever for residents, businesses, and municipalities to stay informed and engaged. Two new interactive tools are now available to help communities explore electricity options and participation across the state: the CPCNH Member Map and updated electricity rate tables. 📍 Discover Community Participation with the Interactive CPCNH Member Map Our newly enhanced CPCNH Member Map offers a real-time, interactive look at where Community Power is active across the Granite State. Whether your town is already operating a program, preparing for launch, in the planning phase, or opting into county-level service, you can now explore program status at a glance. The map allows users to: Browse community participation and progress Identify member representatives by town or county Download, embed, or share the map easily This tool provides a clear snapshot of our growing Coalition and the collective impact of local energy choice across New Hampshire. 👉 Explore the Interactive Map ⚡ Easily Compare Rates for Residential and Commercial Customers Understanding your electricity supply options just got easier. CPCNH has launched interactive rate tables to help customers—residential and commercial alike—compare available rates and make informed energy decisions. Now, customers can: View electricity rates by utility provider (Eversource, Liberty, Unitil, NHEC) Compare Community Power rates with default utility supply rates Access town-specific rate options directly from each Community webpage Explore rates across commercial categories such as General Service, Outdoor Lighting, and Industrial classes Each table features user-friendly dropdown menus to quickly find your utility or community. Plus, with just a click, you can download, expand, or share any table for broader visibility. 👉 Explore Residential Rate Tables View Community Power Rates by Utility Class for Aug. 2025 – Jan. 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 Clean 50 Rates Clean 100 Rates CPCNH is proud to provide tools that bring clarity, choice, and local control to energy supply decisions. To stay updated on Community Power news, tools, and events, sign up for our newsletter and get the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox.

From Biofuels to Community Power: Andrew Hatch’s Journey to CPCNH CPCNH Engagement Manager Andrew Hatch Before Andrew Hatch was helping cities and towns across New Hampshire chart their path to energy independence, he was working in business process consulting for federal agencies and Fortune 500 companies. But a growing passion for renewable energy led him to a biofuels startup, and eventually to the energy efficiency space—first through NHSaves , and now with CPCNH. Today, Andrew works for CPCNH through a partnership with Resilient Buildings Group (RBG), a mission-driven consultancy advancing high-performance, low-energy-use buildings across New England. In his role, Andrew helps communities join CPCNH, launch their Community Power programs and provides ongoing support. His approach is grounded in civic engagement: he’s chaired his town’s energy committee, served on zoning and planning boards, and led weatherization programs for low-income residents. Whether in his own town or across the state, Andrew is driven by a belief in local decision-making and the power of people to shape their energy future. What is your role at CPCNH, and what does a typical day look like for you? Andrew Hatch:  I serve as CPCNH’s Engagement Manager, which means I work directly with our current and prospective member communities to support their efforts to join the Coalition and develop their Community Power programs. I travel throughout the state working with town managers, Selectboards, energy committees, and volunteers to help them understand the process and move forward. I often coordinate with CPCNH’s legal and technical partners to answer questions about data access, program development, and launch timelines. Every community moves at its own pace, so a big part of my job is helping them stay on track and feel supported throughout the process. What inspired you to join CPCNH or work in the energy field? AH: I’ve always had an interest in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Early on, I worked in business process outsourcing—helping federal and corporate clients optimize operations. But over time, I felt drawn toward something more mission driven. That led me to join a biofuels startup as Operations Director. It was my first real hands-on experience in the energy world. Later, I transitioned into energy efficiency work with NHSaves and worked with several of the communities who advocated to establish Community Power in the state. So, when the opportunity came to support the growth of CPCNH as a contractor through RBG, it felt like a natural extension of my values and interests. What excites you most about Community Power and its potential for New Hampshire? AH:  The educational opportunity is what excites me most. Most people don’t understand where their electricity comes from—how it’s generated, how it’s bought, or why their rates change. Community Power helps communities and individuals take control of that story. It empowers them to choose cleaner energy sources, reinvest in their towns, and plan for the future. I love the potential it has to open up new conversations and get people more engaged in how energy decisions affect their everyday lives. Can you share something about your background or career path that might surprise people? AH: I think people might be surprised to hear that I helped launch one of New Hampshire’s early biofuel supply chains. I was working in logistics and operations for a company that manufactured biodiesel from recycled cooking oil for residential heating and diesel vehicles. We worked with local suppliers and distributors to replace petroleum-based fuels with a cleaner alternative. That experience really shaped how I think about energy—not just from a technical perspective, but from a community access and infrastructure standpoint. Is there a New Hampshire town or place that holds special meaning to you—or inspires your work? AH: I have lived in Washington for 20 years, so Sullivan County definitely holds special meaning for me. It’s been inspiring to support their efforts to explore and implement Community Power. The people I’ve worked with there are deeply committed to making sure their communities have a say in energy decisions and benefit from cost savings and renewable choices. That kind of local leadership is really motivating. What do you enjoy most about working with local communities and municipal partners? AH: It’s the people. These are volunteers, town officials, energy committee members—folks who are giving their time to improve their communities. They care deeply about transparency, public service, and creating a better future. To me, that’s what democracy looks like. And that’s the most rewarding part of this work: helping people take a complex process and turn it into something real—something that benefits their neighbors and their town. What do you love doing outside of work? Andrew with Max, his Portuguese Water Dog, enjoying a snowy hike on the trails near his home. AH: I live on Millen Lake and spend as much time outdoors as I can. Hiking is probably my favorite activity. I hike Lovewell Mountain on the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway every season—it’s become something of a tradition for me. Whether it’s the solitude or the views, it helps keep me grounded. I also enjoy staying involved in my local community. I serve on our zoning board and am a Regional Planning Commissioner—that connection to local service is really important to me. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go—and why? AH: Japan. I’m fascinated by the contrast between tradition and technology there, and how different the cultural values are from what we’re used to in the U.S. It would be challenging and mind-expanding in the best way. What energy innovation, policy, or idea are you most excited about for the future? Andrew paddles across Millen Lake with Max AH:  It’s hard to say exactly what the “next big thing” will be—because I think the most transformative technologies are still in their infancy. But I believe that increasing public understanding of energy is critical. If people know more about how energy works, they’ll be better prepared to evaluate new technologies and make informed choices. That kind of awareness is foundational to meaningful innovation. From the North Country to the Seacoast and across to the Connecticut river, Andrew Hatch continues to connect people, policy, and power—one community at a time. Through his work with CPCNH and Resilient Buildings Group, he’s helping towns across New Hampshire take control of their energy future. Check out the latest CPCNH News at cpcnh.org/news

From Zero-Net Energy to Statewide Strategy: Kim Quirk’s Role as CPCNH Board Chair CPCNH Board Chair Kim Quirk CPCNH Board Chair Kim Quirk didn’t just study energy—she built a life around it. With a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering and a background in Boston’s high-tech and entrepreneurial circles, she redirected her career to focus on climate solutions. In 2009, she launched a solar installation company and renovated a historic 1850s home into a zero-net-energy building—installing solar PV, hot water, battery backup, and a seasonal thermal storage tank. The hands-on project earned her a “Lean & Green” Award from NH Business Magazine in 2012. Today, she works as a Commercial Storage Designer and Analyst at ReVision Energy, designing battery systems for Commercial, Industrial, and Municipal buildings and emergency shelters. Elected Chair of the Board of CPCNH during the 2025 Annual Meeting , Kim brings decades of technical, business, and civic leadership to the role. She previously served three years as Treasurer and helped shape the work of CPCNH’s Risk Management and Finance Committees. Representing Enfield on the CPCNH Board, she co-founded the Enfield Community Power Committee with fellow representative Jo-Ellen Courtney. As Chair, Kim is focused on scaling CPCNH’s impact, supporting local communities, and championing energy self-determination across the state. What inspired you to take on the role of Board Chair at CPCNH? CPCNH Board Chair Kim Quirk and former Chair Clifton Below display a framed resolution honoring Below’s leadership and service during CPCNH’s July 2025 Annual Meeting. Kim Quirk:  I’ve been involved with CPCNH since the beginning, both as Enfield’s representative and as a board member. Over the past few years, I’ve served as Treasurer and been part of our financial oversight process. When the opportunity to run for Chair came up, I saw it as a chance to help support the next phase of CPCNH’s development. We’re growing, we’re serving more communities, and we have an opportunity to become a long-term leader in New Hampshire’s energy landscape. I want to help ensure that CPCNH stays financially strong and continues to reflect the voices of its member communities. What excites you most about Community Power as a model for energy transformation? KQ: Community Power is fundamentally about local choice and equity. It gives communities control over their energy future and makes it possible for people who might not have access to rooftop solar or the capital to invest in clean energy—like renters, low-income residents, or people living in multifamily housing—to benefit from renewables. That’s what really drew me in. I believe that by working together as a coalition, we can create programs that benefit everyone, not just a select few. What are some of your goals as Chair for the next year? Kim Quirk stands outside her zero-energy home in Enfield, NH, featuring rooftop solar and solar hot water systems. Photo courtesy of Dartmouth. KQ:  I want to focus on strengthening our financial policies and reserves. We’ve built a solid foundation, but as we grow and serve more customers, we need to think long-term. That means refining our governance structures, preparing for different market scenarios, and supporting new communities as they join. I also think it’s important to make sure the board is welcoming, transparent, and inclusive. We have a diverse group of representatives from around the state, and I want to make sure every voice is heard. I also see CPCNH as a key player in helping communities take more control over their energy future. That means offering new programs, building trust, and providing stable services that investor-owned utilities might not offer. As Chair, I want to help the organization scale responsibly and sustainably—so that it remains a valuable energy partner for the long term. How has your background in engineering and business informed your leadership style? KQ: My engineering background gives me a way to evaluate complex systems and understand how different pieces interact—that’s been really helpful in thinking through CPCNH’s power resources operations and market strategy. My business background, especially running my own businesses, provided invaluable experience in leadership, communications, navigating challenges and finding practical solutions. I try to bring business experience, a technical mindset and a collaborative approach to the board. I think it helps to be able to translate complex issues into ideas that people from different backgrounds can engage with. What lessons from your work in Enfield do you bring to the boardroom? KQ: Enfield was one of the early adopters of Community Power, and we put a lot of time into engaging residents and building trust. We hosted public meetings, created educational materials, and made sure people had opportunities to ask questions. That kind of engagement takes time, but it’s worth it. Working alongside Jo-Ellen Courtney and others in our community, we were able to help people understand the benefits and feel confident in the decision. That approach—community-driven and transparent—is something I try to bring into my role at CPCNH. Tell us a bit about your work with ReVision Energy. KQ: I am an Electrical Engineer designing solar and battery storage systems for residential, commercial and municipal customers. That includes analyzing a building’s consumption data, sizing the solar array and storage system and providing financial analysis to optimize the customer’s return on investment. Some of the systems I work on are focused on reducing demand charges on the electric bill or meeting the requirements of a demand response program, and other systems are designed for resiliency to back up building loads during a power outage. It ties directly into the work we’re doing at CPCNH—finding ways to make our energy systems more renewable, resilient, local, and sustainable. What innovations in solar and storage are you most excited about? KQ: There’s so much happening in the energy storage space right now. We’re seeing new battery chemistries, better controls, and more opportunities to interact with the grid, with our EVs, and our homes in smart ways. What excites me is the potential for distributed storage to help communities manage their energy use more effectively and reduce stress on the grid. When we combine that with Community Power, we have a real opportunity to rethink how we generate and consume energy and how we can use distributed resources, at people’s homes, to help us scale to all electric homes. What do you see as the biggest opportunities or challenges in New Hampshire’s energy landscape? KQ: One big challenge is the structure of our current utility model—it wasn’t designed to support innovation at the local level. There are also real affordability concerns, especially with rising energy prices. I think CPCNH has a role to play in addressing both of those issues. We can offer innovative rate structures, support local generation, and provide services that investor-owned utilities can’t or won’t prioritize. But we also need to be careful and strategic—and that’s where governance and financial planning become so important. What has been one of your proudest moments in your energy journey? Kim Quirk outside her solar-powered home in Enfield, NH. KQ:  Renovating my 1850s house into a zero-net-energy home was a huge milestone. It was an experiment in sustainability and problem-solving, and I did much of the work myself—installing a solar hot water system, building a seasonal thermal storage tank, adding super-insulation, and incorporating Zero Energy design principles. The house runs entirely on solar electricity with battery backup, and it has no fossil fuels or combustion systems – no emissions. That project showed me just what was achievable with the energy efficient and renewable products available at that time and gave me the confidence to help hundreds of other homeowners in the Upper Valley go solar and reduce their use of fossil fuels. Kim Quirk, founder of Energy Emporium, a renewable energy center in Enfield, NH. Courtesy of Dartmouth When I first started looking into solar for my own home, I realized how hard it was to find someone locally who really understood the technology and could explain it clearly. That gap is what motivated me to start Energy Emporium. Launching my own solar company, growing it, and eventually merging with ReVision was also deeply fulfilling. Both projects taught me that the path to clean energy can start right at home—and ripple outward into community and policy change. When you’re not thinking about energy, where can we find you? KQ: I love biking and kayaking, especially on Grafton Pond. I also enjoy playing music with various groups in the area, as well as fiber arts, knitting, quilting—these creative outlets help me recharge. Spending time outdoors is really important to me. It keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters. From renovating a historic home into a model of energy independence to helping shape the future of municipal energy programs, Kim Quirk continues to bring vision and grounded leadership to every challenge she tackles. As CPCNH Board Chair, she remains focused on equity, sustainability, and the power of community-led solutions to transform how we generate and use energy across New Hampshire. Check out the latest CPCNH News at cpcnh.org/news

CPCNH staff swapped keyboards for kayaks during a scenic team outing on the river. On July 18, our CPCNH team of seven gathered bright and early at Contoocook River Canoe Company for a full day of paddling, sun, and shared adventure. After a short safety briefing, we were shuttled upriver to launch our colorful fleet of kayaks just below the old railroad bridge in downtown Contoocook. The weather was perfect—sunny skies, a steady breeze, and just the right summer warmth. We spent the day drifting along the Contoocook River, pausing to explore the Warner and Blackwater River inlets, spot wildlife (including several turtles and a hawk or two), and stretch out on Dogwood Island for a mid-morning snack break. After lunch and a swim at Daisey Beach, we paddled our final stretch back to the outfitter, then wrapped up the day with food and photo-sharing in downtown Penacook. It was a great way to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with the natural beauty of the state we serve.

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has launched a new series of virtual Office Hours to strengthen engagement and provide hands-on support for member communities. These sessions—scheduled through March 2026—offer a space for CPCNH members to ask questions, receive updates, and gain insight on topics critical to community power implementation. Held twice monthly, each session features CPCNH staff and board members covering topics like energy projects and programs, state energy policy, company operations and launch planning, public power finances and governance, renewables and energy markets, and more. Members and the public can join recurring “Plugged In” Q&A sessions designed for open conversation, education and collaborative problem-solving. “These sessions create space for real-time conversations and guidance,” said Jackson Kaspari , CPCNH’s Director of Member Services. “Whether you’re planning a launch, reviewing reports, or navigating regulatory changes, Office Hours give you direct access to the people and tools that can help.” Members and the general public can access the full session schedule and detailed descriptions on the CPCNH Office Hours webpage . Recordings of past sessions are also available on the website and on CPCNH’s YouTube channel . Highlighted upcoming topics include: Website, Members Area & Files.com Navigation (Aug. 15) Draft Implementation Plan for CPCNH’s Strategic Goals & Priorities (Aug. 29) Opt-Action & Community Benefit Reports (Sept. 26) 2026 Legislative Preview (Dec. 5) Explore the full Office Hours schedule and join upcoming sessions at www.cpcnh.org/office-hours

Bringing More Solar Power to New Hampshire Ground-mounted solar array similar to what will be built at the Poverty Plains site. A former gravel pit just off of Interstate 89 in Warner, New Hampshire , is set to become a source of clean energy for communities across the state. Poverty Plains Solar, a ~5-megawatt (MW) solar project developed and owned by Encore Renewable Energy (based in Burlington, Vermont), is moving forward with support from the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH). This project will occupy more than 20 acres of previously disturbed land and will generate more than 8.5 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity in its first year— equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of roughly one-thousand typical New Hampshire homes . “Projects like this show how we can repurpose land that has already been degraded and turn it into something that benefits communities for years to come,” said Mark Bolinger , CPCNH’s director of projects and programs. “We’re excited to help bring more affordable, locally generated renewable energy to New Hampshire.” How the Poverty Plains Solar Project Works Google Maps image of the site in Warner, NH. Once operational in mid 2026, Poverty Plains will supply CPCNH with renewable energy certificates (RECs) and municipalities, schools, and other public entities with significant electricity bill savings through New Hampshire’s “group net metering” program.   Group net metering is New Hampshire’s version of “community solar.” Under this state-run program, a “host” develops a community-scale solar project and shares its energy output with “group members” (i.e., subscribers). The project earns net metering credits for all the electricity it generates, and the host typically offers subscribers a portion of these credits as an incentive to join.  In this way, subscribers benefit from lower electricity costs with no upfront investment.   “One of the most exciting aspects of this project is that it provides a direct financial benefit to New Hampshire communities,” Bolinger said. “Participants will see real savings on their energy bills while supporting clean energy development.” Who Can Subscribe? Eligibility to subscribe to group net metering projects depends on both the size and location of the project. Projects of 1 MW or less are open to all types of electricity customers, including residential, commercial, and municipal accounts.  Projects between 1 and 5 MW (like Poverty Plains Solar) are open only to governmental entities such as municipalities, public schools, counties, and wastewater treatment plants.   Subscribers must also be located within the same utility service territory as the project—i.e., Eversource in the case of Poverty Plains Solar. That said, subscribers need not receive their electricity supply from that same utility (e.g., Eversource). Rather, they can participate in group net metering while being served by a community power aggregation (CPA) or a competitive energy supplier. What Does It Cost to Subscribe? What Will I Get in Return? There is no cost to subscribe. Once Poverty Plains is operational, subscribers will earn 12.5% of the applicable net metering credit over time . The exact cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) number will vary based on Eversource’s default supply rate, which is updated every six months (and to which Eversource’s net metering credit is pegged). For example, if Poverty Plains Solar were operational between February and July 2025, subscribers would earn 1.12 cents/kWh subscribed over this period, based on Eversource’s 8.929 cents/kWh default supply rate. CPCNH is pleased to share that this project is now 100% subscribed. All available capacity has been fully allocated to eligible governmental entities, underscoring the strong demand for clean energy solutions across the state. Why This Matters Large-scale solar projects like Poverty Plains are rare in New Hampshire, but can help the Granite State’s towns and schools lower energy costs while increasing access to renewable power. By subscribing, participants will: Support clean energy without having to build their own solar installation. Receive financial savings with no out-of-pocket costs. Help strengthen local energy independence by keeping power generation in-state. “This pioneering project will bring reliable, affordable energy to our good neighbors in New Hampshire,” said Jesse Stowell , Chief Commercial Officer at Encore Renewable Energy. “We value our partnership with CPCNH and appreciate the innovative way in which CPCNH has structured this arrangement to ensure it works well for all parties.”

This article is part of CPCNH’s ongoing efforts to inform New Hampshire communities about renewable energy opportunities. Empowering New Hampshire's Renewable Energy Producers For many small and mid-sized renewable energy producers in New Hampshire, fully realizing the financial benefits of their clean power generation can be a challenge. While large-scale generators can easily access markets in which to sell their renewable energy certificates, or RECs, individual municipalities, commercial solar owners, and residential producers often struggle to access a fair and transparent REC market. That’s where the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire’s REC Aggregation Program comes in. In November 2024, CPCNH launched this program to help local renewable energy producers earn revenue from the sale of their RECs. Despite launching on the cusp of winter—when the installation of new photovoltaic systems typically slows—the program has seen steady growth, reflecting New Hampshire’s commitment to sustainable energy. Mark Bolinger, CPCNH Director of Projects & Programs “Our REC Aggregation Program helps smaller renewable producers overcome barriers to accessing fair markets,” said Mark Bolinger , CPCNH’s director of projects and programs. “Ultimately, it’s about making renewable energy financially viable for all types of producers.” Understanding RECs and Their Value A REC represents the environmental and other attributes of one megawatt-hour (or 1,000 kilowatt-hours) of electricity generated from renewable sources. In New Hampshire, utilities and other electricity providers meet Renewable Portfolio Standard requirements by purchasing RECs from certified renewable energy producers. This process creates a market-driven approach to clean energy adoption. CPCNH’s current payment rates for NH-certified RECs are listed in the table below. These rates and vintages are updated annually each November, with new pricing posted to cpcnh.org/rec by December 1. Growth and Participation As of March 2025, CPCNH’s REC Aggregation Program has enrolled 17 photovoltaic systems across the state, including: Municipal installations: Three systems totaling 73 kilowatts AC. Commercial projects: One 33-kilowatt system. Residential arrays: More than a dozen systems totaling 139 kilowatts. The program is also in the process of enrolling a biomass boiler that heats an elementary school in a member community, marking CPCNH’s first aggregation of Class I thermal RECs. “We designed this program to be as accessible as possible for renewable energy producers, regardless of type or size,” said Bolinger. “By offering fair pricing and a transparent process, we’re providing an opportunity for renewable energy producers to maximize the value of their RECs while also helping to increase the renewable content of the electricity products that we offer to communities across New Hampshire.” How CPCNH’s Approach Is Different Unlike other REC aggregators that resell certificates at a markup, CPCNH retires all RECs it purchases. This ensures that all renewable energy credits contribute directly to CPCNH’s electricity products, such as Granite Basic , Granite Plus , Clean 50 , and Clean 100 . “Our approach is unique because we aren’t reselling these RECs for profit,” Bolinger said. “Instead, we’re ensuring that they go toward strengthening local renewable energy portfolios and making clean energy more accessible for New Hampshire communities.” Additionally, CPCNH operates as a nonprofit entity, allowing it to offer highly competitive pricing. The program aims to pass along the average market price for RECs, deducting only minimal administrative costs. How to Enroll Eligible renewable generators and thermal energy producers that wish to enroll will fall into one of three categories: New installations: Facilities that have not yet registered with the New Hampshire Department of Energy to generate RECs. Previously registered, not yet selling: Systems that are registered to generate RECs but are not currently selling them. Switching aggregators: Systems that are currently selling RECs to another aggregator but wish to transition to CPCNH. Step-by-step enrollment instructions for each of these three categories are available on the REC Aggregation Program website . Looking Ahead Each November, CPCNH reviews market conditions to adjust the REC purchase prices for the upcoming calendar year. Updated rates are posted by December 1. Participants have the flexibility to opt out without penalty during December if they choose not to accept the new pricing. “Our goal is to provide a stable market that fairly rewards renewable energy producers and ultimately strengthens energy independence in New Hampshire communities,” Bolinger added. 📩 For more information or to enroll, visit the REC Aggregation Program webpage or email rec@communitypowernh.gov .