Concord Steam Task Force Formed

CONCORD, NH — Senate President Chuck Morse, R-Salem, and Speaker of the House Shawn Jasper, R-Hudson, announced the formation of a task force on Sept. 16, 2016, to “review the options” of what the state does for heating in the wake of the closure of Concord Steam next year, according to a press statement. The wood fired cogeneration plant announced in July that it would be shutting down next year, after a multi-year effort to build a new plant in the South End of the city failed to come together.

The task force will be led by state Sen. Gary Daniels, R-Milford. Concord state Rep. Steve Shurlteff, D-Penacook, will also be on the committee along with state Sens. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, and Lou D’Allesandro, D-Manchester. State Reps. Richard Hinch, R-Merrimack, Lynne Ober, R-Hudson, and former Speaker Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, will also serve on the task force.

“With the impending closure of Concord Steam, which supplies the heat for a number of state office buildings, we need to develop a plan to keep costs low while providing energy efficient replacement options early next spring,” said Morse said “The Task Force will produce recommendations and legislation that we hope to fast track early next session.”

Jasper said coming up with recommendations sooner rather than later was important for the task force and the state.

“There are several options for the state to study and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to come up with a solution that best serves the interests of the taxpayers of New Hampshire,” he said. “The State House and 25 state office buildings are affected by this move. Hopefully it will be an opportunity for us to cut our heating bills significantly while maintaining energy efficiency throughout our buildings.”

Daniels said the group will be working “right away” in order to create “a well-devised plan” quickly.

“We have our work cut out for us in the next two months to find a solution that can be implemented seamlessly once Concord Steam goes offline,” he added.

The org’s first public meeting will be on at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2016, and officials hope to have a final report by Dec. 1.

Liberty Utilities, one of the state’s largest natural gas companies, has agreed to work with customers of Concord Steam to transition to natural gas.