How We Work

As the go-to resource on clean energy technologies and policies, we employ three complementary strategies at local, state, regional, and national levels to advance clean energy initiatives in New Hampshire (NH). These strategies focus on advocacy, education, and network engagement, ensuring a holistic approach to promoting sustainable energy practices.

Policy Advocacy & Leadership

Clean Energy NH (CENH) is committed to providing reliable expert advocacy before the state’s legislature and Public Utilities Commission. Our dedicated team engages with committees and boards where critical decisions regarding clean energy are made. By being present in these discussions, we ensure that the voices of clean energy advocates are heard, and that policies supporting renewable energy are prioritized. This leadership role allows us to influence legislation and guide the direction of clean energy initiatives in NH effectively.

Education, Outreach, Technical Support

Education is at the heart of our mission. CENH offers comprehensive technical assistance and educational resources that are accessible to all stakeholders, including homeowners, businesses, and local governments. Our programs are designed to empower communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement clean energy solutions effectively. Through workshops, webinars, and informational resources, we aim to demystify complex energy technologies and policies, making them understandable and actionable for everyone.

Network Engagement & Coordination

CENH actively engages with key stakeholders across all sectors in NH to build consensus and advance clean energy priorities. We recognize that collaboration is essential for driving meaningful change. Our network includes government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community groups. By fostering strong partnerships and facilitating dialogue among these diverse entities, we create a cohesive movement that advocates for clean energy solutions and sustainable practices.

Our History

Clean Energy NH began as the “NH Sustainable Energy Association” in 2003, founded by a small group of homeowners and renewable energy enthusiasts. Their initial goal was to create a networking platform for individuals interested in sustainable building and residential renewable energy applications. Over the years, the organization evolved into a membership-based non-profit in 2008, broadening its scope and impact on clean energy policy and practices across the state.

Our Work

At CENH, we prioritize building relationships among individuals and organizations using a fact-based approach that offers objective, balanced insights. Our work focuses on transforming NH’s clean energy economy and sustaining the quality of life for its citizens. We educate diverse audiences on generating, storing, and efficiently using clean energy, and we strive to accelerate technology and create opportunities for a prosperous, low-emission future. By providing clear information and resources, we empower communities to make informed decisions about their energy usage.

Our Accomplishments

For over a decade, we have successfully defended New Hampshire’s foundational clean energy policies, including the Renewable Energy Fund, the Renewable Portfolio Standard, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Our key accomplishments include:

• • Eliminating the 100 MW Cap on Net-Metered Solar Power: We led efforts to remove this cap, allowing for greater solar energy production in the state.

• • Developing a Fair “Net-Metering 2.0” Tariff: Our advocacy resulted in the establishment of a fair tariff system that benefits solar energy producers.

• • Overturning the Repeal of NH Saves: We played a crucial role in restoring this essential efficiency program, which supports energy-saving initiatives across the state.

• • Enabling Municipal Benefits from Net Metering: Our efforts led to the passage of a law that allows municipalities to benefit from net metering up to 5 MW, empowering local governments to pursue renewable energy projects.

• • Securing Federal Funding for Clean Energy Initiatives: We have assisted state agencies in submitting grant applications, bringing tens of millions of federal dollars to NH from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enhancing our clean energy infrastructure.

• • Creating Low-Income Community Solar Programs: We successfully advocated for a law establishing a program that will build 6 MW of low-income community solar arrays annually in NH, ensuring equitable access to solar energy.

• • Establishing NH’s Community Power Aggregation Program: Our efforts were instrumental in creating this program, which lowers electric rates and allows consumers to choose green power, promoting a more sustainable energy landscape for all.

Through these accomplishments, CENH continues to lead the way in advancing clean energy solutions in New Hampshire, fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.