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From Newsrooms to Energy News: Nick Gosling’s Journey to CPCNH Nick from atop Cannon Mountain, NH. Nick Gosling joins CPCNH as the new Customer Service and Communications Manager, bringing a passion for strategic storytelling, digital marketing, and community engagement. Before stepping into this role, he worked in higher education at the University of New Hampshire and Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), where he helped shape communications strategies, build digital presence, and connect with diverse audiences. At UNH, Nick served as Digital Media Coordinator for the Carsey School of Public Policy and as a research communicator for the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) and the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES). His work ranged from leading email marketing and SEO strategies to managing social media and producing video content that boosted student engagement and research visibility. At MHCC in Gresham, Oregon, he focused on broad-based outreach campaigns, digital advertising, and social media strategy—helping to strengthen community ties and enhance the college’s public presence. Before transitioning into marketing and communications, Nick began his career in journalism, covering local government, environmental issues, and community affairs. After graduating from UNH with a degree in journalism, he wrote for the student newspaper, interned with UNH’s communications department, and worked as a reporter for The Ellsworth American in Maine. His experience in local journalism sharpened his storytelling skills and ability to translate complex topics—an approach that continues to shape his communications work today. CPCNH: What is your role at CPCNH, and what will you be responsible for? Nick Gosling: My role is all about keeping our members, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders informed about CPCNH’s news and activities, as well as the value and impact of Community Power. As a part of CPCNH’s Member Services team, I help develop clear, engaging messaging that supports customer outreach, strengthens our online presence, and broadens public understanding of Community Power. Through storytelling, multichannel marketing, and direct collaboration with our member communities, our team ensures that towns and cities have the tools and resources to communicate effectively with their residents and maximize the benefits of their programs. Over the next 6-12 months, what will be your key priorities? NG: One of my main focuses will be developing a communications strategy that helps CPCNH reach more people and better engage with our communities. A big part of that will be inbound marketing—creating useful, engaging content that helps people find us when they need information about Community Power. This includes things like email campaigns, website updates, social media engagement, and other digital tools that make it easier for people to learn about and interact with CPCNH. I also want to support member communities in their own marketing and outreach efforts, helping them communicate effectively with their residents. What drew you to this role, and what excites you most about joining CPCNH? Nick with kids Zinnia and Micah. NG: I grew up in New Hampshire, went to college here, and now I’m raising my two kids here—this state has always been home. The idea of helping communities take control of their energy choices and build a more sustainable future really resonated with me. I also love the blend of strategy and creativity that comes with communications and marketing—the ability to craft messaging and develop outreach while also analyzing metrics and refining strategies. Getting to work with local leaders, engage with residents, and shape how people understand Community Power makes this role especially exciting. When you're not working, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Nick at the 2025 Newfound Polar Plunge right before taking the leap! NG: I love spending time outdoors—hiking, running, and exploring New Hampshire’s amazing trails and parks. I have two kids, an 11-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, and I try to get them outside as much as possible—whether it's hiking, skiing, or just exploring nature. In the winter, I like to hike in the White Mountains and snowboard, and I’ve been teaching my daughter to ski over the past two years. My son and I also enjoy running and hitting the gym together. Running is a big passion of mine—I grew up running road races in New Hampshire and competed in track and cross country in high school and college. These days, I spend the spring through fall racing in road races throughout the Concord area when I'm not hiking or camping. Family has always been central to my life, and I’m grateful to have my parents and my sister’s family close by in the Lakes Region. We get together almost every weekend for family dinners and activities, which is something I really value. What are some things most people don’t know about you? NG: One thing people might not expect is that before moving into communications and marketing, I spent time as a journalist. After graduating from UNH with a journalism degree, I wrote for the student newspaper, interned with UNH's communications team, and later worked as a reporter at The Ellsworth American in Maine. Covering everything from local government to environmental issues, I developed a passion for breaking down complex topics and making them accessible—something that still influences my work today. In my mid-20s, I worked as a freelance travel writer, which allowed me to explore and write about destinations across Africa, Western Europe, South and Central America, and Southeast Asia. After my work as a travel writer, I lived in different parts of the West Coast—including Southern and Northern California, Washington State, and Oregon—before eventually returning to New Hampshire to be closer to family. When my son was little, I stayed home with him, and we hiked all over Western Washington, including the Olympic Peninsula and Mount Rainier National Park. When he was just 8 months old, I hiked with him to the top of Mount St. Helens—it was a surreal experience! Check out the latest CPCNH News at cpcnh.org/news

📅 Event Details: What: By Degrees Climate Summit: Healthy Connections When: Friday, May 2, 1:00 - 4:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM) Where: New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Saint Anselm College Admission: Free & open to the public. Registration is required–Sign up online Make sure to stop by CPCNH’s Booth! CPCNH is proud to partner with New Hampshire Public Radio as a co-sponsor of the 3rd Annual By Degrees Climate Summit: Healthy Connections , taking place on Friday, May 2, at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College (Google Maps link here ). The event will bring together experts, advocates, and community members to explore how climate solutions connect to public health, community resilience, and everyday well-being. Attendees will hear from speakers, join interactive breakout sessions, and connect with organizations working on climate action in New Hampshire. As part of our commitment to empowering communities through local energy choice, CPCNH will have a booth at the event, where attendees can learn more about how community power is transforming energy access and sustainability across the state. Event attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage with CPCNH staff, and discover how their communities can take charge of their energy future. “We are excited to co-sponsor NHPR’s By Degrees Climate Summit and engage with community members who are passionate about local climate solutions,” said Henry Herndon , CPCNH’s acting general director. “This event is a great opportunity to connect with people who want to take action, and we look forward to sharing how community power can help shape a more sustainable and resilient energy future for New Hampshire.” This event is free and open to the public—we invite you to stop by our booth and learn more about how community power is making an impact in New Hampshire!

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) is calling on legislators, community leaders, and residents to take immediate action to support HB 760, a bill crucial to protecting fair competition in the state’s energy market and ensuring consumer choice. With the bill’s fate uncertain in the House Science, Technology & Energy (ST&E) Committee, CPCNH is mobilizing supporters to reach out to lawmakers and advocate for its passage. “HB 760 is a cornerstone policy that safeguards New Hampshire’s competitive energy market,” said Deana Dennis, CPCNH’s Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs. “This bill ensures that utilities cannot unfairly shift costs onto Community Power customers, maintaining a level playing field and preserving local decision-making. Without HB 760, ratepayers who have chosen Community Power or competitive suppliers could be forced to subsidize cost overruns from utility supply services. We urge legislators from both parties to stand with their communities and ensure this bill moves forward.” The bill prevents utilities from socializing cost overruns by charging all ratepayers, including those who have opted for competitive energy supply services. Instead, HB 760 ensures that default service costs are paid solely by the customers who receive that service, protecting local control and fair market competition. “New Hampshire has long embraced energy choice, but that right is now at risk,” said Bill Baber of Dover and Chair of CPCNH’s Regulatory & Legislative Affairs Committee. “Without HB 760, utilities will have an unfair advantage in the marketplace, harming Community Power programs and limiting consumer choice. Our members and supporters must act now to protect energy freedom and fairness for all ratepayers.” Immediate Action Needed CPCNH is urging all supporters to contact members of the House Science, Technology & Energy Committee ahead of the bill’s critical vote. Outreach should focus on engaging all committee members, who will play a decisive role in determining HB 760’s future. ST&E Committee Contact List Representative Email Telephone District Towns Represented Michael Vose (Chair, R) Michael.Vose@gc.nh.gov 603-734-4084 Rockingham – 5 Epping Douglas Thomas (Vice Chair, R) Doug.ThomasNH@gmail.com 603-490-3226 Rockingham – 16 Londonderry JD Bernardy (R) jd.bernardy@comcast.net 603-969-5796 Rockingham – 36 Hampton Falls, Kensington, Newton, Plaistow, South Hampton Jeanine Notter (R) Jeanine.Notter@gc.nh.gov 603-423-0408 Hillsborough - 12 Merrimack Michael Harrington (R) harringt@metrocast.net 603-942-8691 Strafford - 18 Barrington, Middleton, New Durham, Strafford Lex Berezhny (R) lex@berezhny.com 603-271-3369 Grafton - 11 Alexandria, Grafton, Groton, Hebron Tom Ploszaj (R) Tom.Ploszaj@gc.nh.gov 603-279-9965 Belknap - 1 Center Harbor, New Hampton James Summers (R) James.Summers@gc.nh.gov 603-320-1572 Rockingham - 20 Newton, Plaistow, South Hampton Rita Mattson (R) Rita.Mattson@gc.nh.gov 603-531-3011 Cheshire - 18 Dublin, Jaffrey, Rindge John Schneller (R) John.Schneller@gc.nh.gov 603-488-5941 Hillsborough - 2 Bedford Kat McGhee (D) Kat.McGhee@gc.nh.gov 603-465-2033 Hillsborough - 35 Hollis Lucius Parshall (D) Lucius.Parshall@gc.nh.gov 603-876-3696 Cheshire - 8 Harrisville, Marlborough, Nelson, Roxbury, Sullivan Tony Caplan (D) anthonycaplan1@gmail.com 603-428-7042 Merrimack - 8 Bradford, Henniker, Warner Wendy Thomas (D) Wendy.Thomas@gc.nh.gov 603-271-3369 Hillsborough - 12 Merrimack Thomas Cormen (D) Thomas.Cormen@gc.nh.gov 603-448-2442 Grafton - 15 Lebanon Ned Raynolds (D) Ned.Raynolds@gc.nh.gov 603-271-3369 Rockingham - 39 Portsmouth John Larochelle (D) John.Larochelle@gc.nh.gov Not Available Strafford - 19 Rochester Dale Swanson (D) Dale.Swanson@gc.nh.gov 603-759-4241 Hillsborough - 5 Nashua Ward 1 Upcoming Legislative Check-in – March 7 at 3:00 PM (Virtual) Stay informed and engaged by joining our Legislative Updates Check-in on March 7 at 3:00 PM via Zoom. Get the latest updates on key energy bills and learn how you can support ongoing efforts. If you need a direct meeting link or assistance joining, email Madelyn@communitypowernh.gov . Add this event to your calendar! Supporters can act by: Emailing or calling ST&E Committee members. Submitting testimony in support of HB 760 ( Download Testimony Letter Template ). For more details, visit CPCNH’s website or review the HB 760 Bill Briefing . ### The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) is a public power agency serving a membership of ~70 New Hampshire cities, towns, and counties and ~200,000 electric customers. Governed by communities, for communities, CPCNH works to lower energy costs, expand clean options, and give local governments a stronger voice in state energy decisions. The Coalition fosters collaboration, supports innovative energy projects and programs, and advocates on behalf of consumer interests and the collective voice of our members. Focused on transparency, sustainability, and community empowerment, CPCNH ensures all New Hampshire residents benefit from affordable, reliable, and locally guided energy solutions.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the CPCNH Board of Directors voted 15-0 to appoint Henry Herndon as Acting General Manager, starting March 1, to help lead the organization through its next phase of operations and service.  In this role, Herndon will coordinate staff, contractors, and resources to ensure CPCNH’s continued success. His focus will be on facilitating collaboration across departments and service provider teams, enhancing transparency, and supporting informed decision-making by the Board and staff. This appointment provides stability and continuity during CPCNH’s leadership transition.   CPCNH Board Vice Chair Lisa Sweet highlighted Herndon’s leadership and commitment to CPCNH’s mission: "As Chair of our Member Outreach and Engagement Committee, I have worked closely with Henry over the past three years as we have launched and scaled CPCNH. He is an effective and respected leader among staff and vendors, wholly dedicated to advancing the interests of our member communities.”   Sweet added, “Additionally, the Board expresses its support and appreciation of CPCNH staff’s professionalism and collective leadership.”  Herndon expressed his ongoing commitment to CPCNH core values: "My role is to foster clarity and alignment across our operations, ensuring that our dedicated staff, Board, and members have the resources and information they need to succeed. I am committed to upholding CPCNH’s principles of transparency, collaboration, and community empowerment, enabling informed decisions that best serve our communities. Over the next few months, I look forward to working with our staff, Board and communities to optimize our operations and ensure that CPCNH continues to offer more energy choices, increased local control and competitive rates to our member communities."  At the February 27 Board meeting Chair Clifton Below announced that Brian Callnan would be departing as CEO with this statement:   “As we approach our third year of services being delivered to our members, our CEO, Brian Callnan, has decided with the agreement of CPCNH to step aside on February 28, 2025 to allow CPCNH to begin its next chapter with new leadership at the helm. While at CPCNH, Brian helped grow the staff to eight talented employees and expanded contractor and service providers to meet our growing organizational needs. Brian will be focusing on recently discovered family health issues while looking forward to what new opportunities are uncovered in the future. CPCNH’s staff and contractors will ensure member services and operations are performed effectively.” ### The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) is a public power agency serving a membership of ~70 New Hampshire cities, towns, and counties and ~200,000 electric customers. Governed by communities, for communities, CPCNH works to lower energy costs, expand clean options, and give local governments a stronger voice in state energy decisions. The Coalition fosters collaboration, supports innovative energy projects and programs, and advocates on behalf of consumer interests and the collective voice of our members. Focused on transparency, sustainability, and community empowerment, CPCNH ensures all New Hampshire residents benefit from affordable, reliable, and locally guided energy solutions.

The New Hampshire Energy Forward Act Concord, NH – The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has unveiled its 2025 legislative agenda, introducing the New Hampshire Energy Forward Act , a forward-thinking initiative designed to strengthen the state’s competitive energy market and empower local communities. The Act is a collection of four key bills— HB 760, HB 755-FN, HB 759, and HB 761—each aimed at making targeted reforms to facilitate a local market for distributed energy while lowering energy costs for Granite Staters. “New Hampshire has a long history of prioritizing competitive markets, dating back to the landmark Electric Utility Restructuring legislation nearly three decades ago. The New Hampshire Energy Forward Act builds upon this foundation, ensuring that residential and small business customers can fully realize the benefits of energy competition.” said Clifton Below , Chair of CPCNH. HB 760-FN: Protects Consumers and Competitive Markets from Cost Shifting HB 760-FN safeguards customers and the competitive market by preventing anticompetitive utility cost shifting of supply costs to all customers, including those who elected to be served by a competitive supplier and Community Aggregation. HB 755-FN: Enabling Free Market Competition in Local Energy Projects Because competition has not been fully developed in NH’s electricity market, HB 755FN modernizes market functions to enable true competition for local energy resources in a way that lowers costs for everyone and makes New Hampshire more energy independent. HB 759-FN: Enhancing a Local Market for Community-Scale Generation Projects HB 759-FN expands market competition by allowing Community Power Aggregations and Competitive Electric Power Suppliers to directly contract with net-metered power generators under 5 MW to reduce costs and support economic development. HB 761-FN: Enabling Local Energy Storage HB 761-FN clarifies state regulatory responsibilities and enhances market-based integration of local energy storage projects into New Hampshire’s energy landscape. “The New Hampshire Energy Forward Act is about giving our communities more control over their energy choices while reducing costs through competition and innovation,” said Deana Dennis , Director of Regulatory & Legislative Affairs for CPCNH. “By embracing these smart, market-driven reforms, we can secure an affordable and local energy future that truly works for all Granite Staters.” This slate of legislation will be heard on February 18, 2025 in the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee. For more information , contact Andrew Provencher, andrew@mainstreetstrategic.com , or Henry Herndon, henry.herndon@communitypowernh.gov ### 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.

Commission to Consider CPCNH Local Power Market Proposals in Phase II On November 18, 2024, the NH Public Utilities Commission issued two Orders in the Net Metering proceeding ( DE 22-060 ) considering changes to how community-scale power generators are compensated in the New Hampshire energy market. In Order No. 27,074, the Commission ruled to: Maintain the current net metering tariff (NEM 2.0) Starting January 1, 2025, allow utilities to charge application fees for customer generators seeking to interconnect Maintain (not extend) the existing legacy period of transitioning existing applicable net meter terms to then-applicable net metering terms at the end of December 2040 for all net-metered customers Consider many of CPCNH’s proposals to increase the compensation paid to local power producers using a competitive local power market (by extending opportunities already available to state utilities to market actors more broadly) In its Supplemental Order of Notice , the Commission established a phased process to consider CPCNH’s “Local Power Market” proposal , expanding opportunities for local power generators, energy storage, and other innovative market-based energy solutions. CPCNH welcomes the Commission’s decision to maintain the state’s net metering program while pursuing additional phases of the proceeding to help increase the compensation to local power producers. Distributed Generation creates significant value for communities and their compensation should be reflective of that value. CPCNH is concerned with the Commission’s ruling to not maintain a 20-year legacy period for new net metering projects (1. c. above), which is critical to provide certainty for project investments. The decision to not extend certainty beyond 2040 will make it difficult for current projects to find the financing they need to get developed. “Phase II” of this proceeding represents a pathway towards enabling the practical improvements to market rules that will allow municipalities, Community Power programs, competitive suppliers, and other market actors to take advantage of the value that Distributed Generation and storage bring to the state of New Hampshire. We look forward to a future where communities can take direct advantage of all the value created from local generators and storage projects. CPCNH is committed to helping New Hampshire communities have a voice in enacting the necessary policy reforms that will enable a robust and competitive energy market for our state’s energy users. We will continue to work towards both legislative and regulatory reforms to realize the power of a local power market that increases value to developers, opens innovation, expands choices, and lowers costs for customers. #### Additional Reading For additional materials see: Summary of CPCNH Local Power Market Proposal CPCNH Net Metering Load Settlement Office Hour And NHPUC Docket No. DE 22-060 information: https://www.puc.nh.gov/Regulatory/Docketbk/2022/22-060.html Tab 63 - CPCNH Direct Testimony Tab 69 - CPCNH Rebuttal Testimony Tab 100 - CPCNH position statement for recommendations at hearing Tab 120 - Community power Coalition of New Hampshire Post-Hearing Brief Tab 123 - Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire Post-Hearing Reply Brief Tab 104 - Order No.27, 074 on Net Metering Tab 125 - Supplemental Order of Notice

New Hampshire was the first state to pass an Electric Utility Restructuring Act  back in 1996 ( RSA 374-F ), aiming to end monopoly control over electricity supply and give residents more options. The goal? Lower prices, more innovation, and a more competitive energy marketplace. But despite those ambitions, the competitive market has stalled. Why New Hampshire’s Electricity Market Needs a Boost Today, four out of five customers are still on default utility service. And although 29 competitive electricity suppliers are authorized to operate in the state, only nine serve residential customers—and just four serve every utility territory. The lack of options and innovation especially impacts residential ratepayers. In fact, New Hampshire now ranks last among states with restructured electricity markets  for price competition. Electricity price changes from 2008–2019 show competitive states generally faring better than monopoly states. New Hampshire is among the least competitive restructured markets. Credit: Retail Energy Supply Association Community Power: A Local Solution to a Stalled Market To address this, New Hampshire passed a new law in 2019— RSA 53-E —which authorizes municipalities and counties to launch Community Power programs  as the default electricity provider for their residents and businesses. These programs enable local governments to take control of electricity purchasing , offer innovative rate options, and provide customer-focused services—all while keeping the utility in charge of delivering power over the poles and wires. Community Power programs give municipalities tools to manage electricity procurement, modernize infrastructure, and improve services for customers. How Community Power in New Hampshire Works Under RSA 53-E, Community Power programs must: Be self-funded, except for limited startup costs (e.g., regulatory filings) Notify all customers at least 30 days before launch Provide a clear opt-out process for default utility customers Allow customers with competitive suppliers to opt-in Automatically enroll new customers onto the Community Power program, unless they choose otherwise All participants are free to switch between Community Power, the utility’s default service, or a competitive supplier at any time. Expanding Local Authority Through RSA 53-E New Hampshire’s Community Power law gives municipalities new tools to better serve their communities: Customer services like energy efficiency and demand management Advanced metering and billing options Support for clean energy districts (per RSA 53-F) Regional cooperation through Joint Powers Agencies (RSA 53-A) These capabilities allow communities to offer smarter, more flexible programs—tailored to their unique needs and sustainability goals. Why Community Power Matters for New Hampshire By empowering towns, cities, and counties to shape their own energy future, Community Power in New Hampshire unlocks: Local control over electricity decisions Better energy choices for residents Opportunities to modernize grid infrastructure Support for clean energy and innovation When municipalities join forces through organizations like the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire, they’re better positioned to buy electricity competitively, streamline customer services, and collaborate with utilities and regulators on long-term solutions. Looking Ahead With the foundation laid by RSA 53-E and RSA 53-A, Community Power in New Hampshire is already proving to be a game-changer. More towns and cities are joining forces, launching programs, and reshaping what energy looks like in their communities. It’s not just about electricity—it’s about local leadership, economic opportunity, and clean energy progress.

New Hampshire’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), established by state law (RSA 362-F), is a foundational policy driving the state’s clean energy transition. The RPS requires electricity providers—including utilities and Community Power programs—to supply an increasing portion of their electricity from renewable sources. This requirement is met through the acquisition of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which represent the environmental attributes of renewable power generation. What Are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)? One REC equals the renewable energy attributes of one megawatt-hour of electricity, or an equivalent amount of thermal energy. RECs are created by certified renewable facilities delivering energy into the New England wholesale electricity market (ISO-NE), which includes New England, New York, and eastern Canada. These certificates are tracked by the New England Power Pool Generation Information System (NEPOOL GIS). RECs are generally used in the year the renewable energy is generated, but can be “banked” for up to two years to meet up to 30% of future compliance obligations. Classes of Renewable Energy Under the New Hampshire Renewable Portfolio Standard The RPS defines four distinct classes of renewable resources, based on technology type and when the generation facility came online: Class I – New Renewable Energy Non-thermal sources (after Jan 1, 2006): wind, solar, small hydro, methane, biomass, hydrogen (from methane or biomass), ocean energy, biodiesel (if produced in NH). Thermal sources (after Jan 1, 2013): geothermal, solar thermal, biomass, methane. Class II – Solar Solar generation that began operation after Jan 1, 2006. Class III – Legacy Biomass & Methane Biomass and methane systems that were operational before Jan 1, 2006. Class IV – Legacy Small Hydro Small hydroelectric facilities in operation before Jan 1, 2006. Meeting RPS Obligations: Flexibility & Alternatives The RPS allows flexibility in meeting Class I obligations: Class I non-thermal can be fulfilled using Class I thermal biomass or methane resources. Upgraded or restored Class III and IV resources can also count toward Class I. Solar installations that began after January 1, 2006, can be used to fulfill either Class I or Class II obligations. Annual Compliance: Increasing Over Time Electricity providers and Community Power programs must meet increasing annual REC procurement targets for each class. These targets grow each year through 2025 and could be adjusted in the future if the state raises its RPS requirements. Stacked bar chart visualizing Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requirements in New Hampshire from 2020 to 2025. Each bar represents the total RPS requirement and is segmented by Class I (Non-Thermal), Class I (Thermal), Class II (Solar), Class III (Biomass & Methane), and Class IV (Small Hydro). The chart illustrates a steady increase in total RPS obligations over time. Table showing Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) compliance percentages from 2020 to 2025 for each class: Class I Non-Thermal, Class I Thermal, Class II (Solar), Class III (Biomass & Methane), and Class IV (Small Hydro). The total RPS requirement increases from 20.7% in 2020 to 25.2% from 2025 onward. The Role of Net Metering in REC Accounting Net-metered customers (such as those with rooftop solar) can register with NEPOOL to track and sell RECs. However, not all do. To account for this, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) estimates the REC production of these systems and reduces the procurement obligations of utilities accordingly. What Happens If Providers Don’t Meet Their RPS Targets? If electricity providers fall short of their RPS obligations, they must make Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs) instead of acquiring RECs. These payments support various renewable energy initiatives in New Hampshire. ACPs effectively act as a price ceiling for RECs in the market. Recent examples include Eversource, Unitil, and the NH Electric Cooperative making ACPs rather than purchasing specific REC types. Table displaying inflation-adjusted Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) rates in dollars per megawatt hour from 2017 to 2021. Rates are shown for Class I (Non-Thermal), Class I Thermal, Class II (Solar), Class III (Biomass & Methane), and Class IV (Small Hydro). Rates generally increase slightly each year, with Class I and II reaching $57.99 in 2021. Table showing 2019 Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs) made by New Hampshire utilities, broken down by REC class. New Hampshire Electric Cooperative paid $187,192 for Class I Thermal. Eversource Energy paid $519,893 for Class I Thermal. Unitil Energy Systems paid $1,029 for Class II. Total ACPs for all distribution utilities amounted to $708,114. Want to Learn More? Explore these resources for deeper insight into New Hampshire’s RPS: RSA 362-F – NH RPS Statute NH Public Utilities Commission RPS Page NH Renewable Energy Fund Annual Report (2020)

Recent news stories highlighting CPCNH’s impact, leadership, and community power expansion across New Hampshire. Community Power gained early traction across New Hampshire in 2020, with growing recognition of the need for local control, competition in the energy market, and statewide collaboration. These stories highlight the early momentum that laid the foundation for CPCNH’s formation. 2020 News Highlights Meet the Monopoly Smashers of the 'Local Government Coalition' 📍InDepthNH | June 15, 2020 | By Donald M. Kreis (Opinion Column) Don Kreis profiles the Local Government Coalition (LGC), a group taking on New Hampshire’s investor-owned electric utilities. The LGC advocates for open access to energy data and stronger local authority, setting the stage for what would become CPCNH’s model of shared governance and community choice. Read More Justice Alito is Right and Eversource is Wrong 📍InDepthNH | June 15, 2020 | By Donald M. Kreis (Opinion Column) In this opinion piece, Don Kreis defends the authority of Community Power Aggregations under New Hampshire’s 1996 Restructuring Act. He emphasizes how local governments can challenge utility monopolies and empower residents through collective energy purchasing. Read More Community Leaders Join Together to Develop Community Power New Hampshire 📍New Hampshire Municipal Association | May/June 2020 | This article marks the public formation of what would become CPCNH: a coalition of New Hampshire cities and towns working together to bring Community Power programs to life. Early leaders outlined the vision for local energy choice, competitive rates, and a democratically governed power agency. 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