Example of a biomass heating system located at the Holderness School campus in Holderness, NH. (Jake Gehrung, Resilient Buildings Group)
Andrew Provencher
Since its inception in 2021, the non-profit Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has planned to help transition New Hampshire to a cleaner, greener, and more community-focused energy future. With an impressive membership of 58 municipalities and two counties, CPCNH is leading the charge in streamlining the process for authorizing community power programs, ensuring that towns, cities, and counties can effectively reduce electricity costs and boost economic vitality.
CPCNH has purchased local New Hampshire Thermal Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) as part of its efforts to find renewably sourced energy. These certificates, produced by schools, hospitals, municipal facilities, and small businesses, harness the power of competitive markets and innovation to promote future renewable energy investments across the state. Altogether, 19 local New Hampshire projects have been supported through the purchase of their RECs as part of CPCNH’s 2023 RPS compliance.
A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is issued by a registered renewable energy facility for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (or one megawatt-hour) of energy produced. These certificates serve to lower the costs of transitioning to renewable energy sources while validating renewable electricity use. RECs can be generated from various renewable sources, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass.
In New Hampshire, many institutions have made the switch from petroleum heating oil to biomass energy, using the sale of Thermal RECs to finance system upgrades and improve their return on the investment. While the initial costs of biomass thermal energy systems can be high, these systems typically last 30 years and provide over two decades of energy profits. Larger facilities, in particular, benefit from increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
One example of a REC producer that is engaged with CPCNH is Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH). LRH is a non-profit hospital dedicated to providing high quality, compassionate, and accessible healthcare in New Hampshire’s North Country. In 2013, LRH’s Board of Directors identified a cost-saving opportunity by switching from #2 heating oil to biomass fuel. According to Dick Blanchard, Director of Facilities, the transition was a “no-brainer.” The switch not only halved their energy-related expenses but also allowed them to become the first facility in the country to sell Thermal RECs. These sales significantly reduced their investment break-even point to just three years. Mr. Blanchard further explained that the savings from the thermal energy system have also enabled LRH to upgrade all their lighting fixtures to LED, further reducing their monthly energy usage. The environmental, economic, and community benefits of selling RECs have been immense, extending even to local farmers who use the ash for fertilizers.
Thermal RECs represent just one of many renewable energy opportunities that CPCNH leverages to help municipalities and counties thrive. By understanding the diverse geography and accessible resources of member communities, CPCNH tailors renewable energy solutions to meet specific energy goals, reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
The Coalition’s efforts bring tangible benefits to New Hampshire’s citizens. Communities that band together to produce their own power through renewable energy projects enjoy cleaner environments while often helping boost their local economies. Whether utilizing biomass, low-impact hydroelectric, or solar energy, these projects rejuvenate New Hampshire’s power infrastructure, create high-paying technical jobs, and offer valuable education on the affordability and benefits of renewable energy.
CPCNH stands as a beacon for municipalities across New Hampshire, fostering engagement and education about renewable energy’s potential. Through partnering , communities can unlock affordable, sustainable energy solutions that benefit everyone.
Andrew Provencher is a principal at b-fresh consulting.
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