Energy

The region and New Hampshire’s response to energy, climate change, and the economic future are inextricably linked. As a result of this interaction, energy consumption and climate change share common ground with respect to the actions that can address not only their impacts but their benefits and possible opportunities. The most effective actions include energy efficiency and conservation, which reduce the amount of energy consumed, while renewable energy eliminates emissions and shifts the source of the energy to local and domestic sources. Locally produced energy creates jobs and keeps dollars in the state economy.

While expanded energy efficiency will reduce total energy demand and emissions, further emission reductions can be achieved as New Hampshire meets an increasing portion of its total energy demand by developing renewable and low- CO² emitting energy resources. - NH Climate Action Plan (2009)

All citizens in New Hampshire depend on reliable energy to carry out their work and conduct their lives. As a result of this need, 10 to 50 percent of the income of many New Hampshire households goes to paying energy bills, and energy is a significant expense for businesses, industries, and government. (Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, 2011). As energy costs rise, the region can strengthen its economy and preserve the environment by focusing on energy conservation and efficiency, making the best use of the region’s renewable resources, and implementing sustainable land use and resource conservation practices.

Regional Master Plan - Energy Chapter

Energy Chapter Goals

Goal 1

State plans and regional initiatives focus energy planning and implementation toward local energy sources and supplies.

Goal 2

Federal and state standards, programs and initiatives reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Goal 3

Municipalities lead their communities by example in becoming energy efficient in their policies, operations and facilities management.

Goal 4

More energy is produced from renewable energy sources.

Goal 5

Consumer choices across all sectors increase energy efficiency and conservation and use of renewable energy sources.

Goal 6

Impacts of climate change are mitigated through improved energy policies and standards.

Goal 7

Energy strategies capitalize on positive benefits and opportunities created by changes in climate.