Search Results

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? 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? 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 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

Name: Jason Plant Title: Co-Founder & CEO Employer: Green Lightning Energy City/Town of Residence: Sanbornton, NH Education: BA in Business Administration: Option in Entrepreneurship from University of NH Why did you decide to work in the renewable/clean/clean energy industry? The co-founding of Green Lightning Energy stems from a shared vision between myself and my co-founder, Kadin Burns. Our journey began when both of our mothers sought the financial benefits and environmental advantages of solar energy but were met with prohibitively expensive quotes from all of the solar providers they consulted with. Determined to bridge this accessibility gap, we set out to put together solar projects for both of our mothers ourselves. During this process, we discovered that we could provide the same high-quality solar PV systems as the name-brand installers, but for significantly lower prices. Successfully delivering on our commitment to get our mothers an affordable path to going solar, we saved my mom $30,000 and Kadin’s mom $20,000 from their next best bids. Following this experience, Green Lightning Energy was born to expand the mission, extending the same value to empower homeowners with affordable, high-quality solar solutions. What interested you in working at your current employer? Being an entrepreneur is filled with constant challenges, rigor, and learning opportunities. I became an entrepreneur because I believe that business can used as an incredible vehicle for driving positive social and environmental impact. By making solar more affordable, not only do we save homeowners a lot of money, but we also make it possible for more homeowners to get solar in the first place, thus eliminating carbon emissions that otherwise couldn't have been. I have immensely enjoyed the process of growing this venture, from conducting sales all the way to learning about the in's and out's of solar technologies. Describe the work you do in more detail. As a founder, no two days are the same, but I spend most of my time communicating with partners (i.e. electricians, SolarReviews, and suppliers) and customers. In a typical day, I call 15 - 20 potential customers that indicated they were interested in learning more about solar. This is my favorite part of the day, because I truly enjoy speaking with homeowners and answering questions about what solar could offer them. I also spend a good deal of time learning more about solar technologies including the latest technological advancements and techniques for how to maximize the energy output of a solar array. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? My favorite part of my job is hands-down speaking with homeowners about the benefits of solar. It is so exciting to work with people navigate the beginning of their solar journey, and be able to help them learn about how solar works. Often, customers we speak with realize that solar can be significantly more affordable than they originally thought. It is so motivating to me knowing that we could be a part of saving a given customer tens of thousands of dollars in electricity and reducing their carbon footprint astronomically. I am a strong believer that most problems have win-win solutions and I feel that solar is an incredible tool to create such win-win solutions for homeowners. What makes you hopeful about the clean energy transition in New Hampshire? More and more solar companies are entering the market, which in the long-term will drive prices down for homeowners. There is a huge untapped market of homeowners who want solar but simply cannot afford the upfront costs associated with adopting it, and as prices decrease, it will open up opportunities for these homeowners to be a part of the clean energy transition. Education on how solar works and what its benefits are is also a key ingredient for accelerating this transition, and I see organizations like Clean Energy NH as crucial players in informing the public. We are working to do our part to advance education on clean energy by producing video and written content that explores the common questions and myths about solar. What do you believe is the most pressing challenge that lies ahead for the clean energy industry in the state? I think the most difficult challenges for the clean energy industry in our state unfortunately stem from national policy and federal decisions that are largely out of our control. For example, with heightened interest rates, the financing for commercial and residential solar installations alike becomes less affordable. The upcoming policy of increased tariffs on imported Chinese solar panels is a double-edged sword, as it helps US and European-based solar manufacturers be more competitive on price, but the primary impact on homeowners is going to be increased prices across the board as the increased demand for US and European-made solar panels will drive up prices considerably. Hopefully, in the long-term this policy will incentivize greater production of US and European-made panels, which in combination with continued technological advances in solar energy efficiency, should deflate prices over time. What interested you most about being part of YPiE? (Young Professionals in Energy) I thoroughly enjoy being surrounded by people with common values and interests, and Young Professionals in Energy presents an amazing opportunity to meet such people. I am also a firm believer in not reinventing the wheel in business; if we can create partnerships and collaborations that efficiently leverage all of our collective strengths and resources to make a positive impact, I'd immensely prefer that to a more competitive, adversarial way of interacting with other players in the industry. I feel that YPiE effectively encourages a culture of collaboration to create a better future, and that is just another of the many reasons why I would love to be a part of YPiE. What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college? Don't be afraid to reach out to others in the industry for mentorship or support. The industry is filled with people who are here to make an impact, and helping other people succeed in making their desired impact is one of the best ways to do that. Another thing to consider is that if you want to holistically solve a problem, it is best to communicate with all of the stakeholders your organization or proposed solution would effect. Let your stakeholders guide you to what needs to be done to advance progress. Coming into any new industry, the barriers to progress often come not just from the way the industry is structured, but from the interests that resist change. As soon as you build relationships with and understand each stakeholder, you can begin to see why things are structured the way they are and start to find your own win-win solutions that satisfy the needs of all stakeholders while still advancing progress. What do you like to do when you aren't working? I love reading, traveling, and playing soccer. My biggest travel recommendation is to visit Tanzania. The wildlife is absolutely stunning, the culture is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of getting outside of my comfort zone. What's on your bucket list? I want to visit Australia to go shark cage diving and see the Great Barrier Reef. Tell us one thing most people don't know about you. Though I cannot afford to do it often, I love going skydiving! Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Tea! I especially like ginger tea with maple syrup or honey as a sweetener. Fave NH Restaurant? Green Ginger in Tilton NH! I am a huge Chinese food fan and this is the best place in the NH by far! Fave Musician/Band/Music genre? Kid Cudi! Fav Recreational activity? Playing soccer!

Name: Madelyn Bradley Title: Community Engagement Consultant Employer: Resilient Buildings Group City/Town of Residence: Dover, NH Education: B.S. Environmental and Resource Economics University of NH Why did you decide to work in the renewable/clean/clean energy industry? I wanted a career that would have a positive impact on my community and contribute to a more sustainable future. There are a lot of ways to be involved in the industry and a high capacity for professional and personal growth. What interested you in working at your current employer? Summer going into my senior year of college Resilient Buildings Group (RBG) hosted me as a Sustainability Fellow in partnership with the UNH Sustainability Institute. Since my first day at the office, I have enjoyed the community and leadership within the organization. I value their commitment to support and encourage my growth as a young professional. Describe the work you do in more detail. Currently, I am contracted by the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH), serving as their Communications Coordinator. In this position I work closely with the Member Services team creating web pages for member communities, responding to inquiries in regards to CPCNH, manage social media accounts, and assist with data management and reporting, etc. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? It is really exciting to be apart of the energy transition in the New Hampshire. It is a great feeling knowing that my work has direct impacts on my community through environmental and social welfare measures. What makes you hopeful about the clean energy transition in New Hampshire? Community Power! It is amazing that municipalities can control their energy supply and customers have more knowledge of where their energy comes from and access to more renewable energy options. What interested you most about being part of YPiE? (Young Professionals in Energy) It seemed like a great opportunity to expand my professional network as well as get to know people my age with similar career interests. What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college? Network and get to know people within the industry! What do you like to do when you aren't working? Hiking with my dog, Rowley, baking bread, and reading books. Tell us one thing most people don't know about you. When I was two I almost got bit by an alligator! Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Coffee! Black Fave NH Restaurant? Taste of India in Dover, NH Fave Musician/Band/Music genre? Modern Baseball Fav Recreational activity? Swimming!

Name: Henry Herndon Title: Director of Member Services Employer: Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH) City/Town of Residence: Concord, NH Education: BA in Political Science and MS in Natural Resources from University of NH Why did you decide to work in the renewable/clean/clean energy industry? I am motivated to build a more independent and innovative energy economy in my home state of New Hampshire. What interested you in working at your current employer? Community Power is revolutionizing the New Hampshire energy sector. It's transformative and it's inspiring to see local communities taking control of their energy decisions. Describe the work you do in more detail. I played a key leadership role in creating and launching CPCNH and the Community Power market, including leading a successful legislative advocacy campaign to shape the critical state laws. I manage a team that has supported dozens of cities and towns to plan, launch, and operate Community Power programs. Together we have generated over $10 million in savings and value for customers and communities in less than a year of operations. I oversee planning, launch, and operation of programs, regulatory compliance, customer service, external affairs, IT, and other operational and member service aspects of the company. What aspect of your job excites you most? Why? I am excited to see and work with hundreds of Granite Staters volunteering in their city or town on a local energy committee or community power committee to build meaningful change from the bottom up. Community Power gives these local energy leaders the capacity to speak with one voice and make a difference in critical state policy decisions, as well as decisions that effect their local city or town. It is inspiring to see communities come together to build a locally controlled, innovative, distributed energy future through Community Power. What makes you hopeful about the clean energy transition in New Hampshire? We have a culture of civic engagement and self reliance in New Hampshire that enables us create solutions to complex challenges for our selves in a way that reflects New Hampshire values. Granite Staters are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and create their own solutions. What do you believe is the most pressing challenge that lies ahead for the clean energy industry in the state? Everyone I know who works for a utility is a friendly and decent person. Unfortunately that doesn't change the fact that monopoly control and regulatory obstruction are consistently throwing sand in the gears of innovation and stifling all forms of competition that could otherwise bring clean energy solutions to the market. There are two options to modernizing energy markets by expanding market access to energy/meter data and information, application of efficient price signals, and empowerment of customers through smart devices, distributed energy resources, batteries, electric vehicles, and transactive energy: we can either find ways to collaborate with monopoly utilities in the areas of the market they control (meter data management, customer service/billing, load settlements), or we can relieve them of their monopoly control of these business functions which are not in fact natural monopolies. What interested you most about being part of YPiE? (Young Professionals in Energy) Fun fact, my colleague Brianna Brand and I founded YPiE back in 2018. It is a joy to see it growing strong six years later. We always felt it would support our industry and the clean energy transition if people from clean energy, efficiency, utilities, the state, the Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA), the Department of Energy (DOE), the environmental sector, and everywhere else build relationships with one another and better understood each other's perspectives. What advice would you give to someone that is new to the industry or fresh out of college? Find a way to gain breadth in your perspective. If you work at a utility, make friends with people who work in solar, and vice versa. Participate in Clean Energy NH's great events, from Local Energy Solutions to YPIE to Drive Electric to the rest of them. There are a ton of incredible people in this industry from all sectors. Get to know them. What do you like to do when you aren't working? I like to play music. I also row with Concord Crew. A typical weekend for me is... Hiking, house projects, riding my bike, spending time with family. Fun Facts: Coffee or Tea? And how do you take it? Ginger Tea. Fave NH Restaurant? The Grazing Room Fave Musician/Band/Music genre? 70s and 90s music. Fav Recreational activity? Exploring mountains