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In the town of Randolph, a big idea began with a request. Yvonne Jenkins, a dedicated Randolph resident and Town Librarian, approached the selectboard with a vision: installing solar panels on the local library . The selectboard encouraged her to look into how it could be implemented, setting off a remarkable journey that would lead to significant energy savings. (photo credit: Randolph Public Library) The Power of Community Support Yvonne wasn’t alone in her pursuit. Fellow resident Rick Umiker shared her enthusiasm for solar energy. With determination and a little help from Clean Energy NH’s Energy Circuit Rider Melissa Elander , who provided examples and technical support, they drafted a warrant article to create and fund a Energy Efficiency Capital Reserve Fund — all within a single day.  The fund was created “for the purpose of covering costs or to seek matching grants related to increasing energy efficiency”. They quickly gathered signatures from neighbors, earning their spot in the town report. When the day of the vote arrived, the response was unanimous: The town would move forward on solar and energy efficiency.  "The CRF was a game changer," Rick explained. "Having a designated fund meant we could plan for the long-term, ensuring that our energy projects had financial backing. It also showed the town’s commitment to reducing energy costs and embracing sustainability." The CRF was approved with strong community support, giving the selectboard confidence to approve further projects. It also allowed the town to leverage additional funding and rebates, amplifying their impact.  That pivotal vote wasn’t just a win for clean energy projects in Randolph: it also sparked a wave of community involvement. Resident Howie Wemyss and two other residents eagerly joined Yvonne and Rick’s efforts to establish the Randolph Energy Committee. One major milestone was the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) through a petitioned warrant article. The CRF would serve as a dedicated financial resource to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within the town, controlled by the town rather than an outside funding source.  The Committee wrote a detailed description of the benefits of the CRF for the official town report, and connected with residents that already utilized solar within their households to garner support for establishing the fund. “We were learning on the go, but during the first town meeting we saw so many people who were receptive to the idea,” Yvonne said. “It was really heartening to see.”  Lessons in Efficiency Before diving into the solar project, the Energy Committee prioritized making town buildings as energy-efficient as possible. A lighting audit for the library and town hall revealed opportunities for significant savings. The results were undeniable: within the first year, the town saved 40% on its energy bill without dipping into reserves. The success of the lighting project built trust and further momentum for the solar initiative. Solar Installation (photo taken by Edith Tucker) The Energy Committee continued to learn more as they explored additional energy efficiency projects including energy audits, weatherization upgrades, and the installation of heat pumps. "Find the right people, like Clean Energy NH or a knowledgeable energy auditor. Don’t feel like you have to be an expert in energy — just plan to work with the right people," Yvonne advised. Keeping the Selectboard Informed The Energy Committee recognized that clear communication with the selectboard was essential to moving these projects forward. They sent meeting minutes, extended invitations, and sought approvals at every key decision point. Demonstrating the financial benefits was particularly effective, and the immediate savings from interior lighting and street lighting upgrades reinforced the value of these projects for the town. Facing Challenges and Adapting Not every step was easy. An application to the Northern Border Regional Commission grant program was unsuccessful, and progress sometimes felt frustratingly slow. Yet, the team stayed the course, and used it as a learning experience. They regrouped, identified other funding opportunities, and doubled down on community engagement. Their commitment paid off. A separate insulation project for the library, completed with town funding, a library grant, and rebates from Eversource was a major win for the Committee. As Rick reflected, "I thought we’d have solar panels in six months. But keeping our eyes on the prize, even when it felt distant, was worth it. Gaining the support of the community and selectboard made all the difference." Celebrating Success When the solar panels were finally installed, the town of Randolph didn’t just check it off the list: they celebrated. Residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the local newspaper captured the moment. Celebrating the Solar Installment (photo taken by Yvonne Jenkins) The excitement over the possibilities for clean energy projects didn’t stop at Randolph’s town line. Neighboring towns, inspired by the success, began exploring their own clean energy projects. Calls poured in asking how they could replicate Randolph’s approach. The project’s success sparked conversations and action well beyond the town’s borders. Words of Wisdom The Randolph Energy Committee members offer simple but powerful advice for other communities: Document Your Results: Track your savings and milestones to demonstrate impact. Be Flexible: Plans will shift: make the most of unexpected opportunities that arise. Stay Consistent:  Even during slow months, keep the committee meetings on the books. New ideas often emerge in conversation, and regular meetings help advance progress! Celebrate Every Win:  Publicly acknowledge progress, big or small. Recognition fuels momentum.

Written by Grace Garvey, Former Chair of the Plymouth Energy Commission As of December 19th, 2024, the Quincy Road PV solar array is online and producing clean energy! For those of you who do not know the history, the initial idea of this type of local power plant was incubated by the Plymouth Energy Commission (PEC) a decade or so ago. After Covid and some inactivity, the PEC revisited this idea and decided to either permanently park the conversation or move it forward. Move it forward the PEC did!   After a lot of research and back and forth presentations to the Selectboard, the PEC wrote a 2022 warrant which passed and gave the PEC a green light to research options and funding for a municipal solar array project. The PEC wrote another warrant for the 2023 Town Meeting focused on funding and construction of the solar array. This 2023 warrant passed by over 90% of the votes. The town then signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Barrington Power (BP). The PEC worked with BP to nail down the location on Quincy Road and to plan an array large enough to generate power to offset 70% of municipal building electricity usage requirements. The Quincy Road site is ideal because it was already owned by the town, has excellent southern exposure and consists of an open field which required minimal site work before construction.   Modeling shows a 1st year revenue of $22,000 and over $1,000,000 revenue during the 35-year anticipated life of the solar PV array. This is a net revenue, above and beyond loan payments and any costs related to insurance, operation, and maintenance.   The Municipality of Plymouth is eligible for a 30% elective pay credit through the Inflation Reduction Act and possibly an additional 10% because Plymouth qualifies for a low-income bonus credit. The Town will also receive a $10,000 rebate from the Public Utilities Commission. Aerial Image of the Array On December 16, 2024, the town celebrated with warm beverages and snacks in the airport building. The celebration ended with a ribbon cutting and a tour of the array.  Representatives from the offices of Senator Maggie Hassan and US Representative Ann McLane Kuster attended, along with Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, NH State Representatives Peter Lovett and Janet Lucas, town employees, past and current members of the PEC, and many members of the public.   Summary of Benefits to the Town: Dependable financial gain for the town of Plymouth Renewable energy investment Decreased carbon footprint Federal support through Inflation Reduction Act Optimum utilization of town-owned land Alignment with the town’s ecotourism vision Alignment with Town declaration of a “Climate Emergency” Alignment with two sections of Plymouth’s Master Plan   Thanks to many – to name just a few supporters:   *Highway Department for plowing out the airport parking array for the December 16, 2024 ribbon cutting celebration *Colin McIver, Airport Manager for hosting us *Carol Niewola & Colin McIver who helped navigate the FAA clearance to construct across from the airport *Scott Weden Town Manager & Anne Abear Town Finance Director who tirelessly helped to see this project over the finish line *Ted Vansant and Jack Bingham from Barrington Power who helped work through all the details and GCed the build *All past and present Selectboard members, particularly Bill Bolton who was our rock star and our SB liaison *The Town Voters * New Hampshire Electric Cooperative who was open to the town connecting a PV array with a design that did not fit into a neat box * Clean Energy NH * Community Development Finance Authority , particularly Scott Maslansky *Those who negotiated the Build Back Better Act through which we will get elective pay funds to help pay for the project

When Josh Green took a six-week grant writing class in Keene, he had no idea it would lead to a historic moment for the Town of Hinsdale . Less than a year later, Hinsdale secured $200,000 for its first-ever solar project, bringing long-term energy savings and sustainability to the community. As Josh stepped into his role as Community Development Coordinator, he knew Hinsdale had untapped potential but understood that making a meaningful impact would require access to the right resources. In late 2023, he and newly appointed Town Administrator, Kathryn Lynch, enrolled in a six-week grant writing course. Having to choose a grant to focus on writing during the course, Josh sought to use his new skills to apply for the NH Department of Energy (NH DOE)’s Municipal Solar Grant . His project centered on proposing the implementation of a PV (photovoltaic) solar array at the Hinsdale transfer station.   Proposed placement of the Hinsdale solar array “I was fortunate because the request for proposals (RFP) for Municipal Solar kept getting delayed, which allowed me ample time to prepare a strong grant application,” he states. “The classes taught by Suzanne Bansley in Keene were excellent, and I highly recommend them.”  Josh is driven by a deep commitment to strengthening his community and paving the way for a more sustainable future. He explains how his interest in energy efficient projects that benefit the town, along with key support from others, helped bring the project to life: “As a Community Development Coordinator, my passion is to make Hinsdale as energy-efficient as possible. In my view, the town lacks a future vision for infrastructure. I received invaluable assistance from Clean Energy NH circuit riders John Kondos and Frank Richter. John initially helped me select a suitable location for the solar project, and after his retirement, Frank took over. I could not have completed the grant application without their support, and I am extremely grateful for all their hard work.” Their efforts paid off. After submitting their proposal in early August 2024, Hinsdale was awarded $200,000 by the NH DOE through the grant program on September 17, 2024. “When we received notification of the award, I was in disbelief—I was so excited! This is a historic moment for the Town of Hinsdale, as we will be receiving solar arrays for the first time.”   The arrays are projected to save approximately $20,000 to $25,000 annually in electricity costs over the next 25 to 30 years. This is a significant benefit for a small town of 4,000 residents. The impact will help Hinsdale become less reliant on the grid, resulting in lower energy bills and enhanced energy security—ensuring a stable and sustainable power source for residents. Solar energy is a renewable resource that does not emit any of the pollutants that traditional energy sources do, leading to cleaner air and water and improved public health.  The solar grant didn’t just bring funding, it also sparked teamwork across departments. Implementing cross-department collaboration, with the Highway Department and Transfer Station, for example, helped provide a different perspective and set of expertise that determined the best siting opportunities and rollout for the project’s implementation. Josh also cited the benefits of working with reliable solar companies such as Barrington Power , to help guide the town towards the best options for their proposal.  The momentum for other projects has already started. Conversations about solar and energy efficiency are spreading, from solar arrays on the sewer plant’s roof to implementing energy efficient lighting at the local school. Even the town hall is undergoing an energy efficiency audit with NHSaves . “There’s so much opportunity to improve on the existing structures we have,” Josh states.  The town is currently waiting, along with all other New Hampshire communities awarded Municipal Solar Grant money, for the grant to be administered through the NH DOE. When the time comes, the town will be ready to continue the momentum. “The town’s current administration has a passion to move this town forward,” says Josh. “The future vision hasn’t been here for many years, and projects like this spark possibilities for that future into life. We’re ready to continue moving forwards.”

The majority of the participants in the docket that will determine the future of the local renewable energy industry agree to leave net metering in place unchanged. Nearly all of the parties in the latest net metering docket  have come to agreement as to what the future of the policy that supports local distributed energy generation will be. For those interested in reading the complete settlement agreement, you can find it linked here , but here is the abbreviated version of what the settling parties are asking the Commission to do: The current net metering structure, which was established in 2017 , shall remain in place for a period of at least two years.  Two years after the release of the Commission’s order in this docket, the utilities shall propose new Net Metering Time of Use Rates.   New projects that take part in the net metering program shall be allowed to do so for a period of 20 years , after which point they will transition onto whatever new tariffs are available at that time.  The utilities shall create a new system of application fees  for net metered projects to reduce the administrative costs borne by non-net-metering customers. These fees range from $200 to $1,000 per project.  The utilities shall commence  an 18-month period of data collection,  which will gather more information regarding net metering generation profiles, customer consumption trends, and other necessary information to make wise decisions about the future of net metering in the next docket.  Why did the settling parties decide on these terms?  It’s valuable to consider the context. As a result of cuts to the net metering program in 2017 , New Hampshire already has the lowest net metering reimbursement rate in New England. Local solar in NH is credited at around 10 cents per kWh for large projects, and 14.7 cents per kWh for excess generation smaller ones. In Maine projects are paid between 13 and 25 cents per kWh, and in Vermont the rate is 16 cents per kWh. In Southern New England the reimbursement rates are even higher. Unlike the surrounding states, New Hampshire has a very “ thrifty and frugal ” net metering program. The settlement comes following the release of the Value of Distributed Energy Resources report in 2022 , which found that there is  no “unreasonable” cost-shifting occurring  as a result of net metering. CENH’s testimony  suggests that the reverse may actually be true, and local generation may be  decreasing electricity rates for all consumers . The utilities themselves agree  that net metering should be allowed to remain in place, a position that surprised  industry watchers across the country, and local renewable projects are helping to reinvest in the grid by paying for needed upgrades to distribution system as they interconnect.  The settling parties include almost all of the participants in the docket. The only participating parties that have remained outside of the settlement are doing so for slightly diverging points of view. The Community Power Coalition would like to see  a system that creates a time-varying net metering price signal put into place sooner rather than later, and the Department of Energy simply wants status quo . No party has argued for cuts to net metering. But perhaps most importantly, for the first time in decades, energy growth is forecast to grow rapidly in New England . We are going to need all of the electrons we can get our hands on, and for better or worse, smaller-scale distributed generation is much easier to get built  than large centralized power plants, which have a tendency to attract local pushback and litigation. The settlement agreement represents a common-sense approach to net metering policy that fits with New Hampshire’s history and context. This is not a state with large amounts of solar power already deployed, so there is no imminent need to move away from net metering towards a more administratively complicated tariff as of this time. However, in recognition of the fact that as variable renewable energy deployment increases, it will be increasingly important to move towards more flexible rate designs that differentiate the value of an electron based on when it is delivered, the settlement provides a date certain by which the utilities will submit a proposal to do just that. If adopted, this settlement would proactively move us towards that future, while at the same time not snuffing out the market for distributed generation. The settlement will only take effect if the PUC issues an order adopting the proposed recommendations. The PUC hearing in August regarding the docket is cruical in determining whether these recommendations are implemented. For a deeper dive into how NEM impacts you and your community , and how you can lend your voice to the effort to preserve and strengthen NEM in NH, explore our NEM webpage and factsheet .

New analysis by Clean Energy New Hampshire shows that allowing homeowners to sell excess electricity from solar panels back to the grid through the policy known as “net metering” decreases electric rates even for people who don’t own solar. According to the testimony of Tom Beach of Crossborder Energy , the avoided system costs that result from deploying local small-scale renewable energy generation substantially outweigh the costs of net-metering, which means the Granite State could afford to pay solar customers more for their generation, and still reduce non-solar customers electric bills by an average of $8 million a year. For context, later this year the New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC), will decide how much those who generate local renewable electricity should be compensated for the energy they export to grid. This decision will occur in PUC Docket No. DE 22-060 , and a negative decision could put solar out of reach for many Granite Staters, hurting both our economy and environment. In that proceeding Clean Energy NH is proposing an expansion of the current net-energy metering (NEM) credit issued to New Hampshire residents, businesses, cities and towns for the clean energy they generate. Our proposal is a modest increase of the NEM rate for residential customers that would amount to about a 2.5 cent per kWh increase. Under our proposal, non-solar customers in Eversource service territory alone would save $123 million dollars between 2021 and 2023. Early next year, the New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC), will decide on how much those who generate local renewable electric power should be compensated for the clean energy they export on to the electric grid. This decision will occur in PUC Docket No.   DE 22-060 , and a negative decision could put solar out of reach for many Granite Staters, hurting both our economy and environment. “Net-Energy Metering” is a mechanism that for decades has been the bedrock of the economics that allow homeowners, municipalities, and businesses to install solar. For each kilowatt hour (kWh) of extra electricity that the small generators produced, they would receive a credit on their account . This credit ensures that small and mid-sized solar generators get fair value for their energy and investment. Previously, solar customers received a credit that was equal to the full kWh rate of electricity, but following a decision by the public utilities commission in 2017 that rate was decreased   because of concerns that net-metering would increase electric rates. The previous rate is now referred to as NEM 1.0, and the current rate is called NEM 2.0. Critics of solar have claimed that the credits for excess solar energy generation represents a cost shift to electric customers who don’t own solar. These critics claimed that when solar customers reduce their bill, non-solar customers have to pick up the slack and pay for the fixed costs of the electric grid. However, our most recent analysis flips that argument on its head, and finds that local clean energy systems not only aren’t a burden on ratepayers but in fact directly benefit them. Obviously, purchasing solar panels for a home or business results in a decrease in electric bills. These savings are a result of the solar arrays largely replacing the value of the electricity that would have otherwise been purchased. However, our analysis shows that when your neighbors buy solar panels, you also experience a reduction in your bill, even if you never go solar. Based on this analysis, CENH is recommending that NEM 3.0 should increase the compensation that solar customers receive for their excess generation. Even after increasing the NEM credit, our proposal will save non-solar customers approximately $8 million per year and $123 million between now and 2035. That’s $123 million dollars that will stay in the New Hampshire economy rather than be “exported” to pay for out of state fuel sources.  The CENH proposal will improve the economics of distributed generation, which will mean more investments in local renewable energy generation, allowing the industry to grow at a sustainable rate.  While modest, our proposed rates would give fair compensation to the solar customers for the unseen value that small-scale, broadly-distributed generation provides to the electric system such as: Avoiding purchasing expensive electricity and capacity from large power plants during expensive times of year, Wasting large amounts of electricity by transmitting it from far away, and Avoiding the need to upgrade local electric infrastructure by generating more electricity close to where it is consumed.  A decade ago, we knew much less about how decarbonization would impact the electric grid, and it seemed wise to proceed cautiously. Now, armed with more experience and data, we can modestly increase how much we are paying local renewable energy, and still reduce the cost of electricity on everyone's bills. Read CENH's full testimony in the net metering docket: Testimony of David Littell Testimony of Tom Beach

Name: Bela Bogdanovic Title: Chief of Staff Employer: Dig Energy City/Town of Residence: Boston, MA Education: MA Development Studies, Institute of Development Studies; BA Global Studies & Chinese, University of Vermont Why did you decide to work in the renewable/clean/ clean energy industry? I've always wanted to work somewhere that aligned with my values, but I sort of stumbled into climate tech. After college, I went straight to grad school to study International Development. Pretty quickly, I realized I wanted to work at a nonprofit or some type of government agency where I could make an impact. A few months post-grad school, I was working at a nonprofit in Boston when I found out about an opportunity at a venture firm. I had previously interned for the CEO, and when I expressed my concerns about the lack of impact I might have in the private sector, she politely told me I had a lot to learn and invited me to meet her team. This opportunity gave me a front-row seat to the inner workings of a firm investing in climate tech and healthcare, and it introduced me to Dulcie, who is now my boss. What interested you in working at your current employer? Dulcie and I worked together closely on founder programs at a venture firm, so when I had the chance to work with her again, I jumped at the opportunity. I also wanted to work in a challenging environment that would push the limits of my abilities and force me to constantly learn and grow. Describe the work you do in more detail. I work closely with the CEO, Dulcie, on all things investor/board relations, internal and external stakeholder management, GTM strategy, gov relations, and all the other miscellaneous operations that go into running a early stage startup. Tactically, that translates into building a lot of decks, drafting comms, preparing materials and briefings for internal/external meetings, and being a sounding board for Dulcie, while making sure the cleaning crew comes every other week and the engineering team never runs out of diet cokes. What do you believe is the most pressing challenge that lies ahead for the clean energy industry in the state? New Hampshire, and New England as a whole, overwhelming rely on heating fuel to stay warm. Navigating the transition to clean, affordable HVAC solutions will require cooperation from a variety of stakeholders across the public and private sectors, who often have competing priorities. Finding a common language and recentering the conversation around the economic opportunities that the energy transition can bring to all Granite Staters will be crucial. What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college? 1) Read and talk to as many people you can. For climate specific news I subscribe to Axios, Heatmap, and Canary Media. I also read a variety of other newsletters -- New York Times Morning and Dealbook, Bloomberg Open & Close, and the Washington Post 7. You'd be surprised to see how much overlap there is between climate and other world/national news, and even if there isn't overlap, reading the news helps you develop a POV and deeper understanding of current events. 2) Don't be afraid to put yourself out there or ask someone to clarify something if you don't understand it -- most of the time someone else will have the same question! What do you like to do when you aren't working? I love a long walk, either with a friend (in person or on the phone), or while listening to a podcast. I also love hot yoga and pilates. The rest of my non working hours are spent trying out different restaurants and bars in the Boston area. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Iced tea, black Fave NH Restaurant? Dube Dogs Fave Musician/Band/Music genre? Taylor Swift or EDM Fav Recreational activity? Long walks (ideally on a hot, sunny day)

Colby-Sawyer College (CSC) became a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, setting it on a trajectory to carbon neutrality by 2050. With CSC’s commitment to campus sustainability, their work has expanded beyond campus into the surrounding communities in the Lake Sunapee region. As the new Climate Action Leader serving CSC, and as an AmeriCorps member, I serve with Campus Compact , a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to advancing the services of higher education. I’m also a part of a national program called Campus Climate Action Corps (CCAC) , which is dedicated to educating the community on climate issues such as improving energy efficiency, restoring at-risk ecosystems, and conducting home energy walkthroughs.  Campus Climate Action Corps was launched last year. This year, CCAC will be a part   of the American Climate Corps (ACC) . ACC’s goal is to increase peoples’ job experience within   the green sector to help address the climate crisis. I personally got involved with CCAC to gain   more experience in the sustainability sector and engage with communities to make them more   sustainable.   As a Climate Action Leader at Colby Sawyer, I am hosting community education events to inform homeowners and renters about ways they can save on energy and utility costs. Most recently, I hosted NHSaves to deliver their Button Up Workshop which informs residents how to weatherize their homes and get connected to government rebate programs. There was a great turn out for this event and many people benefited from the information presented.  This summer I have two Colby-Sawyer students serving as Climate Action Energizers working with me to accomplish our goals. Climate Action Energizers are minimum time AmeriCorps members who will complete 300 hours of service. We are actively conducting home energy efficiency walkthroughs where we evaluate lighting, insulation, and overall energy use to help residents reduce their utility costs. By taking part in a home energy assessment, community members are doing their part to track their carbon footprint and implement effective strategies in their home to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to anthropocentric climate change.  For our ecosystem restoration project, we are working to remove knotweed from the Esther Currier Wildlife Management Area here in New London. Knotweed has taken over a part of the park overlooking the gorgeous pond and scenery. When the knotweed is at its full height in the summer, which can be up to 13 feet tall, it makes it difficult to look out to the water. We are implementing the “cover and smother method” recommended by the UNH Extension program on how to remove invasive species.  Colby-Sawyer College has been a supportive host site to the efforts CCAC has set   out to accomplish. Earlier this year, I hosted an Energy Jeopardy for students, staff, and   faculty. The participants were enthusiastic about the game and through post event surveys,   reported they learned a lot about energy efficiency. I have also conducted a Home Energy   Walkthrough for one staff member and will continue to advertise our Walkthroughs to the   staff and faculty of Colby-Sawyer College.   It has been great to work with our community on these initiatives and build on the work Colby-Sawyer College is doing with campus sustainability. To learn more about Campus Climate Action Corps, please visit compact.org/CCAC or contact Anna White at  anna.white1@colby-sawyer.edu .

Name: Ryan Hughes Title: Weatherization Production Manager Employer: Turn Cycle Solutions City/Town of Residence: Nashua, NH Education: High School Diploma Why did you decide to work in the renewable/clean/clean energy industry? To learn more about the industry. What interested you in working at your current employer? The opportunity to advance. Describe the work you do in more detail. I am responsible for managing 4 in house crews along with many subcontractors, scheduling jobs, ordering supplies,property maintenance, Fleet maintenance, customer satisfaction, worksite inspections and quality control. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? Every day is an opportunity to learn something new about the industry. What makes you hopeful about the clean energy transition in New Hampshire? The state has been making significant strides in increasing renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This demonstrates a commitment to diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. What do you believe is the most pressing challenge that lies ahead for the clean energy industry in the state? One of the most pressing challenges for the clean energy industry in New Hampshire, as in many other regions, is the need for comprehensive and supportive policies and regulations. While there has been progress in implementing clean energy initiatives, the lack of consistent, long-term policies can hinder investment and slow down the transition to renewable energy sources. What interested you most about being part of YPiE? (Young Professionals in Energy) To be part of something that will make a difference. What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college? Networking is essential in any industry, including energy. Connect with professionals in the field through networking events, online platforms like LinkedIn, and alumni networks. Building relationships with industry insiders can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable advice. What do you like to do when you aren't working? Camping, fishing, spending time with family. A typical weekend for me is… Camping, fishing, spending time with my daughter. What's on your bucket list? To travel across the country. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Coffee, Black, with sugar Fave NH Restaurant? Texas Roadhouse Fave Musician/Band/Music genre? Classic rock Fav Recreational activity? Camping

What interested you in working at Clean Energy NH? This Energy Circuit Rider position is taking my career full circle. When I moved to Sullivan County 35 years ago, I worked remotely for a small non-profit that was focused on using energy investments to fight climate change. (I even wrote a book on the subject in 1992!) But as our firm got bigger, and gobbled up by other firms, it became harder to see the fruits of my labor. Clean Energy NH is taking me back to my roots, here in Sullivan County, to spur climate-friendly investments in our communities and build better energy policy all across New Hampshire. Right here is where I want to be! What were you up to prior to working at the organization? For most of my career, I provided pension funds, universities and high net-worth clients with environmental, social and governance (ESG) information to provide them with a wider, more holistic view of investment risks and opportunities. More recently, I’ve done some consulting on the future of the auto industry (climate scenario analysis) and for a local solar energy company that’s based in the Upper Valley. Why did you decide to work in the clean energy industry? When I was attending Williams College 40 years ago, my favorite professor predicted that the atmosphere would run out of room to store carbon dioxide long before the ground ran out of fossil fuels. Boy, was he right! Ever since, I have tried to steer energy investments toward more use of renewables and better energy efficiency. We’ve made great strides, but CO2 levels are still rising – and we’re running out of time to turn down the heat! Describe your position in more detail. Who will you be working with and what will you be doing? As an Energy Circuit Rider, I’ll be spending lots of time with the 15 towns in Sullivan County. All of these towns are either rural or economically challenged, putting them in the pole position to receive federal grants that typically cover 20-80% of project costs – keeping the local taxpayer burden at a minimum. Working with town administrators, select boards, energy committees and local businesses, my goal is to make sure that every town gets its fair share of these grants to save money and fight climate change. The spigots are wide open; we just need a well-crafted bucket to catch the flow of aid. We can build it together! What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? Seeing the fruits of our labor all around Sullivan County and paying back the place I’ve always loved to call home. What advice would you give to your younger self? Want to change the world? Join a local committee! Progress starts at home. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? Volunteering and giving blood. (OK, you got me. More likely, I’m eating popcorn and watching late night TV.) A typical weekend for me is… Hopefully, not typical! It all depends on the weather, the season, the events calendar, and the shape I’m in! What’s on your bucket list? Not long ago, somebody was offering a 3-year cruise with 160 ports of call. That would cross off most places on my bucket list! Unfortunately, they seem to be having trouble procuring that ship now, so I may need a new plan… If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be? Peter Sellers as Inspector Clousseau, since my fumbling antics tend to make me a laughing stock anyway! Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you. I eat lefty and throw righty. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Coffee with cream for my sleepy eyelids and pure hot tea for my shivering toes. Favorite NH Restaurant: Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill (breakfast with a view!) Favorite Musician/Band/Music genre: Oh, I can’t pick one ... I was a college DJ! Spotify makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. Favorite Recreational Activity: Exploring the great outdoors on foot, bike, or skis. Favorite Holiday: July 4. Even our towns get to celebrate!

What interested you in working at Clean Energy NH? What interested me the most about Clean Energy NH (CENH) was how passionate everyone I met with was about the mission. With a mission that aligns with my personal values, I felt that my work would be meaningful and impactful. What were you up to prior to working at the organization? Prior to working at CENH, I was a software sales representative. Why did you decide to work in the clean energy industry? The clean energy industry is so important because there are clear, tangible benefits of renewable energy. I was looking to transition to this sector since the bulk of my free time is spent participating in various forms of outdoor recreation. I would like to preserve our natural landscapes and resources for future generations Describe your position in more detail. Who will you be working with and what will you be doing? I will be collaborating closely with small businesses and farms across the granite state to assist them in accessing USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funds for their clean energy and energy efficiency projects. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? This role in particular excited me because I would be on the ground working with small businesses and farms to access funding for clean energy and energy efficiency projects. I have always liked working with others and getting to hear their stories and I am very passionate about the environment. I liked that this particular role combined both. What advice would you give to your younger self? Find your own path. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? Outside of work, you will find me wandering up a mountain, traversing a gravel bike path, carving down ski slopes, scaling a bouldering wall, or browsing through outdoor gear stores. A typical weekend for me is… Year round you can find me hiking one (or more) of the 4,000 foot mountains in New Hampshire. What’s on your bucket list? Visit all 63 national parks. If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be? Emma Watson. Tell us one thing most people don't know about you. I am a plant enthusiast, I have more than 65 plants in my studio-sized apartment. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Coffee, I like a hot oat milk cappuccino. Favorite NH Restaurant: Revival Kitchen and Bar in Concord, NH Favorite Musician/Band/Music genre: I like folk/ indie and my favorite artist is Noah Kahan. Favorite Recreational Activity: Hiking / backpacking around the White Mountain National Forest. Favorite Holiday: Earth Day

What interested you in working at Clean Energy NH? I’ve always had a strong interest in energy conservation and renewable energy. The chance to work with an organization dedicated to promoting and assisting with the implementation of projects that result in the expansion of both, is one I very much look forward to. What were you up to prior to working at the organization? I split my work life between software and property management, always with a focus on efficiency. The exception to that was working in logistics in Germany. Living abroad opened my eyes to the strides that other countries have made in the efficiency and energy production world, mostly as a result of a unified effort on the part of their citizens, government officials, and supportive institutions. Why did you decide to work in the clean energy industry? Clean energy has always been a passion of mine, along with maximizing efficiency. We have PV (photovoltaic) on our house and have converted most of our home-energy use to electric in order to remove carbon-based fuels from the mix. We’ve also completed energy assessments of our rental properties and followed up with building retrofits to substantially improve efficiency. To be able to work with communities to spread the enthusiasm - and savings opportunities - was an opportunity I could not turn down. Describe your position in more detail. Who will you be working with and what will you be doing? I will be working with towns and cities in the Monadnock Region in a support role, helping them identify and implement projects to improve efficiency and reduce fossil fuel energy use. Navigating the logistics and funding options of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects can be intimidating, particularly for smaller towns. Encouraging towns to take advantage of renewables and efficiency upgrades and following up with technical assistance is a primary focus of the Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) position. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? Bringing towns onboard with projects such as these is what excites me the most. Seeing so many towns benefit already from the implementation of renewables and energy efficiency upgrades inspires me to work with communities looking to cut costs and improve public health. The benefit to the environment as a whole goes without saying and is something all communities should incorporate into their decision making. What advice would you give to your younger self? Find a faster path to accomplish the important things in life. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? Anything outdoors. Bike, hike, kayak, ski, garden. A typical weekend for me is… Doing any one of the activities listed above, especially with the family. What’s on your bucket list? I wouldn’t say I have a bucket list. Fun things come your way if you're open to opportunities. I learned that from my kids. If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be? That’s a tough one. An “extra” off the street would probably be a better match than any star actor. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Coffee. Favorite NH Restaurant: A picnic on top of a mountain - any mountain - with family or friends. Favorite Musician/Band/Music genre: Having played piano and sang a lot growing up, I appreciate so many kinds of music. If you listen closely and get to know its origin, most music is pretty cool. Favorite Recreational Activity: If I could ski, bike, hike, and kayak all in the same day, I would. I’ve come close. Favorite Holiday: Christmas. Love the food, decorations, and family activities.

What interested you in working at Clean Energy NH? I was drawn to Clean Energy NH’s approach to making a tangible difference in the world and the team’s enthusiasm about the work that they do. I’m thrilled to be joining in efforts for a more sustainable future in New Hampshire at a time when implementing workable solutions for our current energy infrastructure is more important than ever. What were you up to prior to working at the organization? Prior to joining Clean Energy NH, I worked in a variety of social and environmental justice-related roles, including leading nonprofit communications efforts for environmental and community resilience programs in West Africa, and overseeing cold case forensic research in the United States. Why did you decide to work in the clean energy industry? I was very drawn to the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on New Hampshire communities and contribute to a more sustainable future. There's an incredible amount of groundbreaking work happening in the clean energy industry today, and I'm eager to be a part of it. Describe your position in more detail. Who will you be working with and what will you be doing? As Communications Coordinator, I’ll be working to develop Clean Energy NH’s media and communications strategy. This includes supporting the organization’s events, and creating digital media resources and campaigns that support our mission and programs and keeps our members and supporters informed about our work. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? I’m excited to work with dedicated individuals who are passionate about creating change, and help to build partnerships across various sectors. I’m looking forward to contributing to the positive transformations that are happening across the state! What advice would you give to your younger self? Taking risks and being curious will lead to some incredible opportunities, so keep exploring. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? Usually you can find me taking a walk with my dog or reading a book. I’ve also recently taken up rock climbing which has been a good challenge! A typical weekend for me is… Fitting in a long walk somewhere, seeing friends, catching up on whatever book I’m reading at the moment, and trying new recipes. What’s on your bucket list? I’d love to visit New Zealand and hike around the southern island. If you could choose anyone to play you in a movie, who would it be? Saoirse Ronan. Tell us one thing most people don't know about you. I once toured Italy as a member of a dance troupe! Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? I love both! As for how I take it, it really depends on the day. I like trying new things! Favorite NH Restaurant: Green Elephant in Portsmouth NH Favorite Musician/Band/Music genre: I listen to a wide variety of music, but I’ve recently been enjoying listening to Jon Batiste and Fatoumata Diawara Favorite Recreational Activity: Hiking and Climbing Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving