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Four new Board Officers and 3 new Directors elected at the 2025 Annual Meeting The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire has elected new Board officers and welcomed three newly elected Directors following their 2025 Annual Membership Meeting . Coalition members from across the Granite State convened to advance CPCNH’s governance priorities, including officer and director elections. Four longtime members were elected to serve as Board officers, each with a deep track record of public service and energy leadership within the Coalition. Kim Quirk was elected Board Chair. Previously serving as Board Treasurer, Kim brings decades of experience in clean energy. She is the founder of the Energy Emporium solar installation company and a Commercial Storage Designer and Analyst with ReVision Energy. Her hands-on energy work includes renovating a historic home into a zero-net energy building and presenting at regional renewable energy conferences. “I’m honored to serve as Board Chair for CPCNH, where our mission—to power New Hampshire communities through local energy solutions, education, and advocacy—is essential to addressing high fossil fuel costs and advancing renewable energy and community choice.” ~ Kim Quirk, Chair, CPCNH Board of Directors Doria Brown was elected Vice Chair. Doria serves as the the Energy Manager for the City of Nashua and is one of CPCNH’s original founders. She oversees renewable energy initiatives and energy procurement for the city and was named a 2024 Young Professional Energy Champion by Clean Energy NH. Andrea Hodson was elected Board Secretary. Andrea is a Selectboard member from Harrisville, Chair of CPCNH’s Governance Committee, and a long-standing advocate for local energy decision-making. Kathleen Kelley was elected Treasurer and is a nonprofit financial professional and Chair of CPCNH’s Audit Committee. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit governance and oversight. “I’m honored to serve as Board Chair for CPCNH, where our mission—to power New Hampshire communities through local energy solutions, education, and advocacy—is essential to addressing high fossil fuel costs and advancing renewable energy and community choice,” said Quirk. She added, “My focus this year is to support our staff and partners in navigating current challenges while continuing to expand the tools and options available to help each of our communities meet their energy goals.” The Membership also elected three new Directors to the Board: Bob Benson of Grantham served as a Chief Investment Officer and Senior VP at Amica Insurance and teaches MBA courses at Southern NH University. Bill Baber of Dover brings his experience as a former member of the NH House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee; Chair of CPCNH’s Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Committee; and current Chair of the Dover Energy Commission. Tom Rooney of Portsmouth brings with him a professional background in designing and managing large-scale energy efficiency programs. These officers and directors bring a rich diversity of experience in public policy, finance, clean energy, and community leadership—supporting CPCNH’s mission to build a more affordable, resilient, and locally controlled energy future for New Hampshire. CPCNH has published a photo essay on its 2025 Annual Meeting and Board Meeting .

On Friday January 31, 2025, the CPCNH Board of Directors voted to raise default supply rates.  The “Granite Basic” rate for residential and small commercial customers will move to 9.7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from the 8.9 cent rate the Board approved on January 2, 2025. The 8.9 cent rate will be in effect for February. The 9.7 rate will go into effect in early March through July 2025.  CPCNH works to provide the lowest rates possible while covering costs and maintaining financial stability.  Why is CPCNH Adjusting Rates?  CPCNH has adjusted rates to ensure rates cover costs. CPCNH was negotiating a power purchase agreement with a local generator to meet a significant portion of our energy needs. This agreement did not come to fruition. CPCNH closed market hedges to manage our position and adjusted rates accordingly.  Competitive Rates and Savings Over Time  Since launching in early 2023, Community Power has introduced more competition and product options for nearly 200,000 electric customers in New Hampshire. Customers can easily choose from options including 33%, 50%, or 100% renewable energy on a month-to-month basis and can move between Community Power, utility supply options, and third-party providers.  From launch in April 2023 through July 2025 CPCNH’s Granite Basic will have averaged:  15.3% savings relative to Unitil’s supply rate  12.3% savings relative to Liberty’s supply rate  8.7% savings relative to Eversource’s supply rate  Less than a percent difference from NH Electric Cooperative’s supply rate  CPCNH is proud to have generated over $20 million in customer energy savings for New Hampshire.  Customers may make product elections by visiting CommunityPowerNH.gov , calling 1-866-603-7697, or by emailing info@CommunityPowerNH.gov . Additional rate options are available at: https://www.energy.nh.gov/engyapps/ceps/shop.aspx   Support HB 760 – Stop Utility Cost Shift to Community Power  The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is proposing regulatory changes that could undermine the competitive energy market and Community Power in New Hampshire. We encourage you to reach out to lawmakers in support of House Bill 760 to safeguard fair competition in the state’s electricity market.  House Bill 760 aims to protect consumers and preserve the competitive market by preventing the shifting of utility costs to all customers through stranded cost charges. The bill seeks to reverse the PUC's recent ratemaking practices, ensuring that Community Power customers are not burdened with utility supply cost overruns.  Please urge your lawmakers to support House Bill 760 and subscribe here for action alerts and legislative updates: https://www.cpcnh.org/community-leader-sign-up Community Power Rates Monthly Variable Rates for Mid-sized Commercial & Other Customers ### Community Power, authorized under NH RSA 53-E, empowers towns, cities, and counties to choose where their electricity comes from. Community Power enables municipalities and counties to become the default electricity provider for their communities. Under Community Power, electric distribution utilities continue to own, operate and maintain the power lines and infrastructure while local communities gain control over the cost of their energy and where it is sourced from. Many more New Hampshire towns and cities have begun the process of launching their own programs in the coming months and years. More than 70 communities have already joined the Community Power Coalition and are currently in the process of launching their own Community Power programs.

On April 24, 2025, CPCNH Annual Membership and Board gathered at the Falls Event Center in Manchester for the Coalition’s Annual Meetings. The morning Annual Meeting focused on key governance actions, including the approval of a charter amendment to improve responsiveness in regulatory matters and the election of six Directors to the Board. Members also reviewed CPCNH’s updated strategic plan framework, foundational history and enterprise risk management framework, and operational progress updates. Read more The afternoon Board Meeting centered on organizational leadership and local energy advancement. New officers were elected, including roles for Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, and the Board formally recognized outgoing leadership. Directors authorized the formation of a new standing Projects and Programs Committee and approved a power purchase agreement for the 5 MW Poverty Plains Solar Project in Warner — a milestone for local renewable energy development in New Hampshire. Throughout the day, members reinforced their commitment to community power and collaborative public governance. With strong in-person and virtual attendance, the meeting reflected CPCNH’s expanding impact and shared purpose: to build a more affordable, resilient, and locally controlled energy future for New Hampshire. This photo essay offers a glimpse into the people, decisions, and momentum behind that mission. Left: Registration Table – Jackson Kaspari, Madelyn Bradley and Andrew Hatch Right: Member Gathering – Opening Session Jackson Kaspari , CPCNH Director of Member Services; Madelyn Bradley , Communications Coordinator; and Andrew Hatch , Engagement Manager welcome attendees with meeting materials and community maps at the registration table. Member representatives from across New Hampshire gather at round tables to begin a full day of governance and community energy discussion. Left: RLAC Charter Amendment – Deana Dennis and Bill Baber Center: Operations Update – Acting General Manager Henry Herndon Right: Guest Remarks – Don Kreis, NH Consumer Advocate Deana Dennis , CPCNH Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, and newly elected board director Bill Baber present the proposed amendment to the Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Committee charter, helping streamline CPCNH’s regulatory response process. Acting General Manager Henry Herndon presents an update on CPCNH’s enterprise operations, recognizing the critical roles played by CPCNH's staff and vendor partners. New Hampshire Consumer Advocate Don Kreis offers remarks recognizing CPCNH’s public mission and role in delivering community-centered energy solutions for residential ratepayers. Left: Member Networking – Bob Benson, Jo-Ellen Courtney and Hope Stragnell Right: Member Networking – Joe LaMattina, Clifton Below and Don Kreis From left, newly elected board director Bob Benson of Grantham and newly appointed MOEC Chair Jo-Ellen Courtney of Enfield connect with member representative Hope Stragnell of Canaan during a networking break, exchanging ideas on local energy leadership and collaboration. From left, member representative Joe LaMattina of Newmarket, former Board Chair Clifton Below , and New Hampshire Consumer Advocate Don Kreis exchange insights on community energy and CPCNH’s public mission. Board of Directors Meeting – Session Begins Board Directors convene for the afternoon meeting to elect officers, review committee reports, and approve key policy and project actions.   Board Welcomes New Expertise: Tom Rooney, Bob Benson and Bill Baber. The Membership elects three new Board Directors, each with unique expertise to contribute. From left, Tom Rooney of Portsmouth brings with him a professional background in designing and managing large scale energy efficiency programs; Bob Benson of Grantham has served as the Chief Investment Officer and Senior VP at Amica Insurance and teaches MBA course work at Southern NH University; Bill Baber of Dover brings his experience as a former member of the House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee, Chair of RLAC and current Chair of the Dover Energy Commission. Board Re-elects Experienced Leadership – Jamie Hess, Clyde Carson, Terry Clark The Membership re-elects three experienced Directors to continue their service on the CPCNH Board. From left, Jamie Hess of New London, Clyde Carson of Warner, and Terry Clark of Cheshire County return with deep institutional knowledge and an unwavering commitment to the success of Community Power across New Hampshire. Board Appointment – David Hemenway David Hemenway of Webster is appointed by the Board to fill a one-year seat vacated prior to the election. Officer Elections: Kim Quirk, Chair; Doria Brown, VC; Andrea Hodson, Secretary; Kathleen Kelley, Treasurer (not shown) Kimberley Quirk , founder of an Upper Valley-based renewable energy company and former CPCNH Treasurer, is elected Board Chair of CPCNH. Doria Brown , Energy Manager for the City of Nashua, a founder of CPCNH and 2024 NH Young Professional in Energy Award Winner and is elected Vice Chair. Andrea Hodson of Harrisville, who is a long-standing selectboard member of the first community to adopt community power and the Chair of the Governance Committee is elected Board Secretary. Kathleen Kelley of Randolph, an experienced nonprofit treasurer, and Chair of the Audit Committee is elected Treasurer. Leadership Resolution – Clifton Below Honored Outgoing Chair Clifton Below and incoming Chair Kimberley Quirk pose with a resolution adopted by the Board honoring Clifton’s tireless and transformative leadership. Clifton is also presented with a handcrafted walking stick engraved with the names of famous Granite Staters in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the positive impact he has on the lives and careers of CPCNH members, staff, and personnel. Lisa Sweet, outgoing Vice Chair Lisa Sweet served as CPCNH’s Vice Chair for the past year and Chair of Member Outreach and Engagement Committee since its inception over three years ago. Lisa played critical leadership role alongside Chair Below in navigating CPCNH’s leadership transition and has guided MOEC direction and provided continuous support to Member Services staff with an unwavering commitment to ensuring Members receive the highest quality guidance, education, and service. Project Spotlight – Poverty Plains Solar Mark Bolinger , CPCNH Director of Projects and Programs, presents an overview of the Poverty Plains Solar Project which was approved by the Board and is scheduled to come online in 2026. The project represents a key step towards expanding local renewable energy access in New Hampshire.

A leader in energy policy and local governance, Below has played a key role in shaping Lebanon’s sustainability efforts and community power initiatives. Lebanon City Manager Shaun Mulholland and Mayor Timothy McNamara present Assistant Mayor Clifton Below with a resolution recognizing his leadership in energy policy and contributions to the city's sustainability efforts. Image courtesy of City of Lebanon At its March 19 meeting, the Lebanon City Council formally recognized Clifton Below , Assistant Mayor and CPCNH Board Chair, with a resolution honoring his decades of leadership in energy policy and local government. Below, who played a key role in crafting New Hampshire’s Community Power Law (RSA 53-E) , has been a driving force behind Lebanon’s efforts to expand local control over energy procurement, modernize the grid, and promote renewable energy solutions. After serving a decade on the City Council, the last six as Assistant Mayor, Below recently decided not to seek reelection. Presenting Assistant Mayor Clifton Below with a resolution recognizing his leadership in energy policy and contributions to the city's sustainability efforts. Video courtesy of City of Lebanon Presenting the resolution, Lebanon Mayor Timothy McNamara praised Below’s long-standing commitment to advancing energy innovation in the state. “For decades, Clif has been an invaluable resource to both Lebanon and the state as whole, said McNamara. “His dedication to public service in a variety of roles is remarkable.” “Of particular note is his tenacious commitment to energy efficiency and the environment,” added McNamara, “Clif’s vital role in creating CPCNH has provided New Hampshire residents with the unique opportunity to help control their own electric costs while simultaneously providing them with options to further the cause of renewable energy.” Below, who formerly chaired the Lebanon Energy Advisory Committee , has been a leading advocate for sustainable energy solutions, grid modernization, and regulatory reforms that support municipal energy programs. His work has included developing Lebanon Community Power , participating in statewide energy regulatory proceedings, and leading policy negotiations that have strengthened community power initiatives across New Hampshire. Reflecting on the honor, Below expressed gratitude for the recognition. “I’ve always believed that local communities should have more control over their energy choices, and it has been rewarding to help make that a reality,” Below said. “This recognition means a lot, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working toward a more sustainable and locally empowered energy future.” The resolution, presented by Mayor McNamara and City Manager Shaun Mulholland , underscores Below’s pivotal role in Lebanon’s energy transformation and his broader contributions to New Hampshire’s evolving energy landscape. Read the resolution honoring Clifton Below:

Recent news stories highlighting CPCNH’s impact, leadership, and community power expansion across New Hampshire. In 2023, Community Power moved from preparation to implementation. With CPCNH programs officially launching across New Hampshire, communities like Dover, Cheshire County, and Canterbury began delivering lower electricity rates and greater energy choice to residents. As more municipalities joined the movement, Community Power proved its potential to provide stable, affordable, and locally governed energy in a volatile market. 2023 News Highlights NH Business: NH communities buying power for residents at lower rates than utilities 📍WMUR | October 22, 2023 | With host Fred Kocher CPCNH and other providers prepare to serve nearly 30% of New Hampshire’s electric users, signaling a major shift toward local energy control. With new contracts, financing, and rulemaking in place, municipalities are stepping into the energy market with bold plans to reduce costs and expand renewables. Read More Dublin, Fitzwilliam Among Towns to Join County's Community Power Program 📍Keene Sentinel | October 11, 2023 | By Hunter Oberst Cheshire County launches New Hampshire’s first county-led community power program, offering towns like Dublin, Fitzwilliam, Nelson, and Roxbury a simplified path to cheaper, more renewable energy. With rates as low as 10.9¢/kWh, the program gives towns a way to skip the regulatory hurdles of creating standalone plans. Read More Cheshire is the first NH county to launch community power 📍NHPR/New Hampshire Bulletin | October 10, 2023 | By Hadley Barndollar Cheshire County becomes the first in New Hampshire to launch a county-wide community power program, enabling towns like Dublin, Fitzwilliam, and Nelson to fast-track adoption. Leaders say the approach will deliver energy savings and greater local control across the region. Read More Community Power Launches in Dover: What You Need to Know 📍Dover Download | September 19, 2023 | With host Christopher Parker Christopher Parker, Jackson Kaspari, and Henry Herndon break down Dover’s new Community Power program, how it delivers lower-cost electricity, and clear up common misconceptions. Read More Roger Wood Talks Community Power Coalition with CEO Brian Callnan 📍InDepthNH | July 28, 2023 | By Roger Wood A podcast interview with CPCNH CEO Brian Callnan, delving into the coalition's initiatives and the benefits of community power for New Hampshire residents. Read More Q&A: Community Power Coalition CEO Brian Callnan 📍New Hampshire Business Review | July 14, 2023 | By Paul Briand An in-depth interview with CPCNH's first CEO, Brian Callnan, discussing his background in the utility industry and his vision for the coalition's role in empowering New Hampshire communities through community power programs. Read More The first N.H. residents are enrolled in community power, despite bumps with Eversource 📍WBUR/NHPR | April 26, 2023 | By Mara Hoplamazian Coverage of Nashua becoming the first city in New Hampshire to bring its community power program online, including challenges faced with utility company Eversource during the rollout. Read More Community Power Programs Are Launching in New Hampshire. How Could They Help Stop Climate Change? 📍NHPR | April 19, 2023 | By Mara Hoplamazian An exploration of how community power programs in New Hampshire could contribute to combating climate change by enabling municipalities to choose renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Read More Tired of High Electricity Rates, N.H. Communities Take Control of Purchasing Their Own Power 📍The Boston Globe | March 31, 2023 | By Amanda Gokee An article discussing how various New Hampshire communities are adopting community power programs to gain control over electricity purchasing, aiming to lower costs and increase renewable energy usage. Read More Community Power Programs to Launch in 14 New Hampshire Towns, Offering Cheaper Electricity Than Major Utilities 📍NHPR | March 14, 2023 | By Mara Hoplamazian Fourteen towns—including 10 CPCNH members—prepare to launch community power with rates as low as 11.1¢/kWh, offering savings, local control, and clean energy. Read More NH Community Power: Rates Will Be 20 to 40 Percent Less Than Utility Companies 📍New Hampshire Bulletin | March 13, 2023 | By Hadley Barndollar CPCNH announces its launch with electricity rates significantly below utilities, saving $5.8 million across 10 communities in just the first 3 months. Read More Community Power Coalition Announces Electricity Rates Below Utilities 📍WMUR | March 13, 2023 | By Adam Sexton CPCNH launches service in 10 municipalities with rates up to 39% lower than utility prices—saving residents millions in just the first three months. Read More Community power is coming to NH in 2023. Here’s what to expect. 📍NHPR | January 4, 2023 | By Mara Hoplamazian An overview of the upcoming launch of community power programs in New Hampshire, detailing how municipalities can purchase electricity on behalf of residents and the potential benefits of such programs. Read More Stay Connected with CPCNH News CPCNH is leading the way in local energy solutions, and our impact continues to grow. Stay informed about how community power is shaping New Hampshire’s energy future. 📍Visit our news page for more updates: cpcnh.org/news

Recent news stories highlighting CPCNH’s impact, leadership, and community power expansion across New Hampshire. Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) continues to gain recognition as a driving force in New Hampshire’s transition to local energy control. From thought leadership on energy policy to community-driven power programs, our members are making headlines. Recent News Highlights Fair Markets and Protecting NH Ratepayers: Why We Need HB 760 📍NH Journal | March 11, 2025 | By Jim Garrity (Opinion Column) CPCNH Board Member Jim Garrity advocates for HB 760, a bill designed to prevent utilities from passing financial losses onto all ratepayers, including those who have opted for Community Power. He highlights the importance of fair competition and accountability in NH’s energy market. Read More Skating on Wild Ice: Jamie Hess Shares Tips and Experience 📍NHPR | February 24, 2025 | By Mara Hoplamazian CPCNH Board Member Jamie Hess  was recently featured in an NHPR segment about the growing popularity of wild ice skating in New Hampshire. Beyond discussing the sport’s beauty and challenges, Hess highlighted key safety measures and the importance of reading ice conditions. His insights into the state’s natural resources align with CPCNH’s commitment to community resilience and environmental awareness. Read More Why the Renewable Portfolio Standard Needs to Stay 📍Monadnock Ledger-Transcript | February 21, 2025 | By Michael Nadeau (Opinion Column) In this opinion column, Michael Nadeau of the Peterborough Power Committee discusses the importance of maintaining the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to encourage investment in renewable energy and support the clean energy transition. Read More Buyer Beware, Electricity Customers! 📍InDepthNH | January 15, 2025 | By Donald M. Kreis (Opinion Column) New Hampshire Consumer Advocate Donald Kreis shares an in-depth analysis of the evolving electricity market, emphasizing how CPCNH empowers local communities to take charge of their energy choices. The column highlights the advantages of community power aggregation, the risks of misleading competitive supplier offers, and the need for consumers to stay informed. Read More Community Power Now Covers Half of New Hampshire 📍Concord Monitor | January 5, 2025 | By David Brooks CPCNH’s rapid expansion now serves nearly half of New Hampshire’s population, marking a milestone in local energy control. Acting General Director Henry Herndon  discusses the program’s success, including how municipalities are leveraging community power for stable rates and long-term energy planning. The article also explores upcoming initiatives aimed at increasing renewable energy adoption. Read More Stay Connected with CPCNH News CPCNH is leading the way in local energy solutions, and our impact continues to grow. Stay informed about how community power is shaping New Hampshire’s energy future. 📍Visit our news page for more updates: cpcnh.org/news

Recent news stories highlighting CPCNH’s impact, leadership, and community power expansion across New Hampshire. In 2024, Community Power became a defining force in New Hampshire’s energy market. CPCNH grew to over 60 municipal and county members, launched its lowest rates to date, and expanded access to new local tiers funding future energy projects. With Sullivan County preparing a regional rollout and customer savings reaching tens of millions, community power continued to demonstrate its potential for affordability, innovation, and energy self-reliance statewide. 2024 News Highlights NH electric bills could go down in February. But a new process to set rates attracts concern 📍NHPR | December 20, 2024 | By Mara Hoplamazian Utilities may lower electricity rates under a new procurement process, but CPCNH warns the changes could unfairly shift cost burdens to community power customers. Read More NH PUC’s Decision Could Shake Up Energy Industry 📍New Hampshire Business Review / NHPR | December 6, 2024 | By Mara Hoplamazian The PUC maintained current net metering rates but rejected long-term protections, sparking concern about uncertainty for solar developers and large community-scale projects. Read More More NH Communities Consider Community Power 📍NHPR/Valley News | November 8, 2024 | By Clara Shanahan Cornish and Sullivan County are preparing to join CPCNH, following successful launches across the Upper Valley. With support from the coalition, small towns gain access to lower rates, shared resources, and more renewable energy without added taxpayer cost. Read More Rindge Community Power Committee Split on Benefits of Community Model 📍Monadnock Ledger-Transcript | September 24, 2024 | By Ashley Saari Rindge’s Energy Committee couldn’t reach consensus on recommending a March 2025 warrant article for community power, reflecting ongoing local debate about savings and feasibility. Read More Community Power in Concord: Mayor Culpa 📍InDepthNH | August 27, 2024 | By Donald M. Kreis New Hampshire Consumer Advocate Donald M. Kreis raises concerns about Concord defaulting residents into higher-cost renewable tiers, urging clearer community power practices. Read More NH Regulators Consider Changes to the Way Small Renewable Energy Generators Are Compensated 📍NHPR | August 20, 2024 | By Mara Hoplamazian Parties propose keeping current net metering rates for two years while utilities explore time-of-use rates. CPCNH supports a more market-based system that compensates community-scale solar more fairly. Read More Seacoast communities compete to see who can support the most clean energy 📍NHPR | August 1, 2024 | By Mara Hoplamazian Dover, Durham, Exeter, Portsmouth, and Newmarket compete to boost clean energy participation by encouraging residents to opt up to greener electricity rates. Read More Electricity rates to change in August for NH customers 📍NHPR | July 1, 2024 | By Mara Hoplamazian NH utilities are adjusting supply rates, with Eversource and Liberty customers seeing increases. CPCNH rates remain below major utilities for basic and 50% renewable energy options. Read More As Community Power Programs Expand Across NH, Hurdles to Renewable Energy Persist 📍NHPR | June 14, 2024 | By Mara Hoplamazian A CPCNH-backed bill to expand access to local renewables failed after state objections. Advocates plan to reintroduce legislation to help projects up to 5 MW serve community power programs. Read More Community Power Continues Spreading Through the Region 📍Concord Monitor | March 9, 2024 | By David Brooks More towns in the Concord area launch with CPCNH, while Standard Power faces scrutiny over fixed-rate contracts—yet secures a legal win to proceed amid rising participation. Read More NH Consumer Advocate Urges Scrutiny of Three Towns' Community Power Programs 📍NHPR | February 15, 2024 | By Mara Hoplamazian New Hampshire Consumer Advocate Don Kreis calls for an investigation after Jaffrey, Milford, and New Boston plan to launch with rates higher than Eversource, despite earlier promises to beat the utility’s price. Read More Merrimack County Joins Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire 📍InDepthNH | February 6, 2024 | News Release Merrimack County becomes CPCNH’s second county member, creating a flexible opt-in/opt-out pathway to expand access and reduce energy costs. Read More Interest in Community Power Surging in New Hampshire 📍New Hampshire Union Leader | February 3, 2024 | By Shawne K. Wickham Once considered niche, Community Power is now New Hampshire’s fastest-growing energy movement. With over 50 CPCNH members and more joining, local control, cost savings, and flexibility are driving momentum. Even utilities see the shift as complementary, not competitive. Read More Five Years Later, New Hampshire’s Community Power Law is Reshaping the Electricity Market 📍Energy News Network / Canary Media | February 1, 2024 | By Lisa Prevost With 45 communities participating and another 29 set to join, CPCNH is poised to become the state’s second-largest electricity supplier. Its new rate of 8.1¢/kWh beats all major utilities, saving customers millions while expanding options for renewable energy and local reinvestment. Read More Savings From Community Power Become Slimmer as NH Utilities Cut Electric Rates 📍Granite State News Collaborative/NHPR | January 5, 2024 | By David Brooks (Concord Monitor) CPCNH’s new 8.1¢ rate remains below utility prices, but savings have tightened. Four broker towns now face rates higher than Eversource. Read More Stay Connected with CPCNH News CPCNH is leading the way in local energy solutions, and our impact continues to grow. Stay informed about how community power is shaping New Hampshire’s energy future. 📍Visit our news page for more updates: cpcnh.org/news

Recent news stories highlighting CPCNH’s impact, leadership, and community power expansion across New Hampshire. ​In 2021, Community Power initiatives in New Hampshire gained significant momentum, with numerous municipalities adopting programs to empower local energy choices and promote sustainability.​ 2021 News Highlights As Your Electric Bill Soars, Some Ideas for Fighting Back 📍InDepthNH.org | October 9, 2021 | By Don Kreis As default electric rates rise steeply, Don Kreis outlines ways residents can gain more control over their energy costs—urging participation in CPCNH to help stabilize rates through community-driven energy procurement. Read More Community Power Era Officially Begins in New Hampshire 📍NH Business Review | October 21, 2021 | By Bob Sanders Thirteen municipalities and Cheshire County officially incorporate CPCNH, positioning it as both a legislative advocate and statewide energy supplier. The coalition could serve 15% of New Hampshire’s population, offering local control, competitive rates, and renewable energy access. Read More Hanover Becomes Third Municipality in the State to Approve a Community Power Plan 📍New Hampshire Bulletin | July 14, 2021 | By Amanda Gokee Hanover voters approve a community power plan aimed at accelerating the town’s 100% renewable energy goal by 2030. The decision follows similar moves by Keene and Harrisville and reflects growing statewide support for local energy choice. Read More What's Next For Community Power In N.H.? 📍NHPR | July 13, 2021 | By Rick Ganley & Mary McIntyre Clifton Below discusses the growing momentum for community power across New Hampshire, highlighting new legislation, expanded net metering, and strong interest from municipalities of all sizes. Read More A Former Mill Town Takes Control Of The Future Of Its Power Supply 📍NHPR | July 12, 2021 | By Daniela Allee Harrisville becomes the second municipality in the state to approve a community power plan. Town leaders view the program as a pathway to resilience, local renewable energy, and greater control over rising energy costs. Read More Dover explores joining Community Power Coalition of NH. Here's how it would work. 📍Fosters Daily Democrat | July 7, 2021 | By Megan Fernandes Dover officials consider joining CPCNH to explore local energy aggregation, price stability, and expanded access to renewable power. Leaders cite potential cost savings and greater flexibility as key benefits. Read More Essential information about energy usage in the state is elusive, and that’s a costly problem 📍New Hampshire Bulletin | May 27, 2021 | By Amanda Gokee A proposed statewide data platform aims to give communities access to standardized energy usage information—critical for launching and managing local energy projects. Advocates say it could unlock cost savings, transparency, and innovation across New Hampshire. Read More As utilities match CCAs on price, aggregators increase climate action, grow economies of scale to compete 📍Utility Dive | May 4, 2021 | By Herman K. Trabish As utilities lower prices, CCAs nationwide are pivoting to emphasize climate leadership and local control. Advocates say CCAs are accelerating the clean energy transition by setting ambitious renewable targets and pressuring utilities to follow suit. Read More N.H. Community Power Bill Moves Forward, With New Compromise 📍NHPR | March 9, 2021 | By Daniela Allee Lawmakers, utilities, and local leaders reach a compromise on HB 315, preserving core authorities for community power programs and allowing continued innovation. Read More Cheshire County eyeing its own community power plans 📍Keene Sentinel | March 4, 2021 | By Mia Summerson Cheshire County prepares to join CPCNH and launch a county-level energy program, while responding to potential regulatory changes from HB 315. Read More Community Power: A New Way to Think About Your Energy Bill” 📍NHPR | February 19, 2021 | By The Exchange Highlights how Community Power programs give municipalities control over electricity supply and enable investment in local renewable energy. Read More Fromuth and Herndon: NH Legislature’s energy choice: monopolies or markets? 📍NH Business Review | February 5, 2021 | By Bart Fromuth & Henry Herndon Bart Fromuth and Henry Herndon urge lawmakers to defend Community Power from HB 315. They highlight the law’s potential to boost local control, innovation, and market competition. Read More Lebanon, Hanover Are First To Join New Statewide Community Power Coalition 📍NHPR | February 4, 2021 | By Daniella Allee Lebanon and Hanover become the first municipalities to join CPCNH, aiming to share resources, scale up renewables, and cut energy costs through local aggregation. Read More Ye Olde Electric Utility Fights the Paradigm Shift 📍InDepthNH | January 28, 2021 | By Donald M. Kreis (Opinion Column) Don Kreis, New Hampshire’s consumer advocate, critiques HB 315 as a utility-backed threat to local energy control. He argues Community Power is key to ending monopoly dominance and modernizing how cities manage electricity. Read More Stay Connected with CPCNH News CPCNH is leading the way in local energy solutions, and our impact continues to grow. Stay informed about how community power is shaping New Hampshire’s energy future. 📍Visit our news page for more updates: cpcnh.org/news

Recent news stories highlighting CPCNH’s impact, leadership, and community power expansion across New Hampshire. In 2022, New Hampshire took major regulatory steps to enable the growth of Community Power. With rulemaking finalized by the Public Utilities Commission and more towns like Portsmouth and Plainfield joining CPCNH, the groundwork was laid for widespread program launches in 2023. Municipalities across the state doubled down on local control, affordability, and renewable energy innovation. 2022 News Highlights Community Power Picks Up Steam 📍NH Business Review | November 4, 2022 | By Bob Sanders CPCNH and other providers prepare to serve nearly 30% of New Hampshire’s electric users, signaling a major shift toward local energy control. With new contracts, financing, and rulemaking in place, municipalities are stepping into the energy market with bold plans to reduce costs and expand renewables. Read More Lots of Energy Around Green Energy in Lebanon 📍Union Leader | October 10, 2022 | By Shawne K. Wickham Lebanon emerges as a statewide leader in sustainability, with solar arrays, EV infrastructure, and a landfill gas-to-energy project underway. As the first municipality to have its community power plan approved by the PUC, the city exemplifies how local vision and policy can drive meaningful energy transformation. Read More Rules for community power approved 📍New Hampshire Bulletin | September 16, 2022 | By Amanda Gokee A legislative committee approves final rules for community power, paving the way for cities and towns to begin buying electricity. Advocates say the move will lower costs and boost renewable energy across New Hampshire, with CPCNH and other providers preparing for a 2023 launch. Read More Public Utilities Commission Starts the Process to Make Rules for Community Power Programs 📍NHPR | January 13, 2022 | By Mara Hoplamazian Lawmakers, utilities, and local leaders reach a compromise on HB 315, preserving core authorities for community power programs and allowing continued innovation. Read More Stay Connected with CPCNH News CPCNH is leading the way in local energy solutions, and our impact continues to grow. Stay informed about how community power is shaping New Hampshire’s energy future. 📍Visit our news page for more updates: cpcnh.org/news

CPCNH continues legislative and regulatory efforts to prevent unfair utility cost shifting and protect market competition. The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire is continuing its fight to protect ratepayer fairness and preserve a competitive electricity market. Over the past several months, CPCNH has been advocating for House Bill (HB) 760 , legislation aimed at preventing monopoly utilities from shifting their supply cost overruns onto customers served by third-party suppliers such as CPCNH. While the bill stalled in House committee earlier this month, it was ultimately tabled on the House floor on March 26, providing an opportunity for revival later in the session. In the meantime, CPCNH’s advocacy continues to advance on multiple fronts. The stakes for New Hampshire HB 760 would clarify that any under- or over-collections resulting from utility default service must be recovered through future utility default service rates within one year’s timeframe. Without the bill and because of encouragement by regulators, utilities could be allowed to socialize their supply cost overruns to all distribution customers on a non-bypassable basis. “This kind of cost shifting is anti-competitive and deeply unfair to consumers who have elected to purchase supply from a third-party provider,” said Deana Dennis, CPCNH’s director of regulatory and legislative affairs. The likelihood for cost overruns with utility default service increases as regulators have directed utilities to buy increasing amounts of electricity on the spot market. When prices spike, utilities pay more than they planned which causes a discrepancy between the rates that they set and the revenues that they collect from customers. On the flip side, when prices drop, utilities may over-collect revenue compared to the rates that were set instead of absorbing those costs or surpluses by passing them only to their own default service customers. At least two of the investor-owned utilities so far – Eversource and Unitil – have proposed to recover them through additional charges added to everyone’s electric bills. These charges, sometimes called “stranded cost charges,” are bundled into the electric distribution side of the bill that no customer can opt out of. “This kind of cost shifting is anti-competitive and deeply unfair to consumers who have elected to purchase supply from a third-party provider,” said Deana Dennis , CPCNH’s director of regulatory and legislative affairs. “No competitive supplier is allowed to pass their losses onto to all customers—and the monopoly utility shouldn’t be able to either. Dennis added, “HB 760 was designed to protect consumers and uphold the basic principles of customer choice and market fairness.” Jim Garrity , a CPCNH board member , longtime public advocate, and member of the Town of Atkinson ’s Energy Committee, echoed this message in a recent op-ed. Garrity previously served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2004 to 2012, including as chair of the Science, Technology and Energy Committee . “Allowing utilities to shift their own default service cost overruns onto customers of their competitors is unfair, anti-competitive, and deeply harmful to the public interest,” Garrity wrote in NH Journal . “If enacted, HB 760 would restore the rules of the road to protect customers and support a level playing field for all market participants.”   What’s next: doubling down on public advocacy In response, CPCNH is intensifying its engagement at the PUC while also exploring opportunities to revive and advance HB 760 before the end of session. The Coalition’s broader NH Energy Forward Act legislative platform includes bills that seek to level the playing field between utilities and competitive suppliers, enable local energy innovation, and strengthen the enforcement of market rules. Similarly to HB 760, those bills which include HB 755 , HB 759 , and HB 761 were also tabled on the House floor, which gives them a chance to be revived before the end of session as well as a chance for the subject matter to be considered again during next year’s sessions if the bills die “on the table” before the end of this session. “We met with Rep. [Michael] Vose, Chairman of the House Science, Technology & Energy Committee earlier this week and he expressed a desire to work with CPCNH and other stakeholders over the summer to make progress on the proposals contained in the NH Energy Forward Act so that new bill language can be brought forward next year,” Dennis said.   “We appreciate Chairman Vose’s leadership and willingness to engage stakeholders in working through some of the more complex market issues that these bills provoke,” she added. “We look forward to engaging in that process to find common-sense solutions that will benefit NH communities and lower costs for all Granite Staters.” How to Get involved CPCNH invites all stakeholders to stay engaged and informed: Join the next virtual Legislative and Regulatory Policy Update at 2pm. Thursday, April 17, 2pm. Join via Zoom , and visit the CPCNH calendar to learn more. Sign up for CPCNH's legislative action alerts Explore CPCNH’s Bill Tracker  to follow current legislation and learn how you can take action. CPCNH’s mission is rooted in local control and fair market principles. As of March, the coalition includes more than 70 municipalities and counties, representing over 40 percent of the state’s population. With broad support across the state, CPCNH will continue advocating for policies that promote innovative, affordable, customer and community-driven energy solutions on a competitive basis.

Five Towns, One Goal: Increase Participation in Clean Energy For six months, five Seacoast communities came together in a friendly challenge aimed at increasing participation in renewable energy. The Seacoast Energy Challenge , launched in August 2024, encouraged residents and businesses in Dover, Durham, Exeter, Newmarket, and Portsmouth to "opt up" to cleaner energy choices through their local Community Power programs. By the end of the challenge in January 2025, each community had made meaningful strides in supporting a cleaner energy future. The challenge was designed to increase awareness and participation in renewable energy options by offering residents an opportunity to easily transition to cleaner electricity. Community leaders and volunteers worked together to educate residents on how simple it is to support greener energy through their electricity plans. With New Hampshire’s Community Power programs offering affordable, higher-renewable energy options, this initiative helped more residents make informed decisions about their electricity supply. A Challenge for a Common Cause The Seacoast Energy Challenge was not about competition but rather about progress. Community leaders and volunteers worked to educate residents on how simple it is to support cleaner energy through their electricity plans. With New Hampshire’s Community Power programs offering affordable, higher-renewable energy options, this initiative helped more residents make informed decisions about their electricity supply. Each participating town and city offered three opt-up choices beyond the standard Granite Basic plan : Granite Plus: 33% renewable energy Clean 50: 50% renewable energy Clean 100: 100% renewable energy By choosing one of these options, participants contributed to the demand for renewable energy certificates (RECs), helping to drive investment in clean energy projects. Collectively, across all five participating communities, the challenge resulted in more than 100 new opt-ups to cleaner energy options. While individual communities had different outreach strategies and engagement levels, the overall increase in participation highlights the effectiveness of community-driven energy initiatives. Community Success Stories Each town approached the challenge in its own way, engaging residents through social media, town events, flyers and direct outreach. The result? A stronger, more connected movement toward sustainability. Newmarket’s Growth Through Community Engagement Newmarket saw steady participation growth through targeted social media campaigns and community events. Residents responded well to digital outreach, with many learning about their Community Power options for the first time. "The Seacoast Challenge was a great learning experience for us," said CPCNH board member and Newmarket Town Councilor Joe Lamattina . "We used multiple outreach methods—Facebook, our town website, flyers, and community events—and found that social media had the biggest impact." Exeter’s Determined Effort to Educate Residents Exeter took an education-first approach, ensuring residents understood the difference between being a Community Power customer and actively opting up to a cleaner energy tier. Community meetings and one-on-one discussions played a key role in their strategy. "The biggest hurdle was getting past the assumption that joining Community Power automatically meant opting up," said Cliff Sinnott , Exeter Energy Committee chair. "While our results were modest, the outreach helped us refine our messaging for the future." Portsmouth’s Drive to Make Green Energy Easy Portsmouth focused on accessibility and convenience, reinforcing how easy it is for residents to make a direct impact through simple online choices. "In the past, choosing greener electricity was complicated—you had to research vendors or install solar panels," said Portsmouth City Councilor John Tabor . "Now, with a few clicks, you can make an immediate impact on your community’s carbon footprint." Durham’s Commitment to Measurable Impact Durham’s Climate Action Plan encourages the town to reduce its carbon footprint. For the challenge, town officials focused on using the weekly town newsletter and social media to educate residents on how easily they could subscribe to a greener energy plan with CPCNH, with a relatively small impact on their monthly bill. "We knew that clear, consistent communication would be key," said Steve Holmgren , CPCNH Board of Directors member and Durham Energy Committee member. "By showing residents exactly how much CO2 they could save at different opt-up levels, we made the environmental impact more tangible and relatable." To enhance the competitive spirit, a “horse race” bar chart showing the progress of the five towns was updated each month. By the end of the six-month challenge, it was estimated that those residents who opted up to the Clean 50 or Clean 100 plans collectively saved an estimated 80 tons of CO2 compared to staying on the Basic plan. Dover’s Sustainability Efforts and Future Goals Dover’s resilience initiatives laid important groundwork for clean energy engagement, offering residents a strong foundation for understanding the long-term benefits of opting up. While the timing of the Seacoast Energy Challenge posed challenges for deeper involvement from Dover’s Energy Commission, the experience has renewed their commitment to ongoing community outreach. “The Challenge, while a singular event, has inspired us to redouble our efforts to provide a continuous stream of information to our community,” said Bill Baber , CPCNH member and Chair of the Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Committee. “Our goal is to ensure that no one is unaware of the many options available to save energy, save money, and reduce negative impacts to the environment.” Looking ahead, Dover’s community leaders remain focused on expanding participation in sustainable energy initiatives and reinforcing awareness of clean electricity choices. The Final Results By the end of the challenge, each town had successfully increased participation in greener energy. More importantly, the challenge helped educate residents across the region, demonstrating the collective impact of small individual choices. The Seacoast Energy Challenge highlighted how local collaboration can lead to meaningful environmental progress and greater community engagement in sustainable energy solutions. Check out some news coverage of the Seacoast Energy Challenge below: NHPR: Seacoast communities compete to see who can support the most clean energy Seacoastonline: Seacoast Community Power communities launch contest for choosing 'greener' electricity City of Portsmouth: Seacoast Communities Launch Green Energy Challenge City of Dover: Dover Joins Other Community Power Communities in Green Energy Challenge 📩 For more stories on CPCNH’s successes, visit CPCNH’s news page .

From the Seacoast to the North Country, Communities Choose Energy Independence Eight New Hampshire communities recently voted in community power agreements. Eight more New Hampshire communities— Bedford , Canaan , Dalton, Meredith , Newington, Northumberland, Shelburne , and Sunapee—voted to adopt Community Power during their recent Town Meetings, signaling continued growth for locally governed, consumer-driven energy in the state. These approvals mark another milestone for the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), which now includes over 60 cities, towns, and counties working together to deliver more affordable, sustainable electricity options. “Bedford Community Power is grateful to CPCNH for their assistance and expertise in achieving the approval of over 91% of Bedford voters on March 11th,” said Christopher Bandazian , Vice Chair of the Bedford Energy Commission. “We’re now looking forward to partnering with CPCNH to offer our residential, commercial, and non-profit ratepayers lower supply rates and greener choices.” Newington Selectman Brandon Arsenault highlighted the value of CPCNH’s deep technical and community support throughout the process. “The onboarding experience was not taken lightly—by the Town, Board of Selectmen, and CPCNH,” he said. “The amount of handholding, explanation, public meeting attendance, documentation, and preparation that CPCNH contributed was beyond our expectations." “Our Energy Committee is very pleased with the support at Town Meeting, and we all are looking forward to lower power rates in the future,” said Al Rossetto , Chair of the Northumberland Energy Committee. These latest votes reflect the growing strength of the Community Power movement in New Hampshire. As more communities choose to join CPCNH, the coalition continues building a competitive, resilient energy future—designed by and for the people of New Hampshire.