New Hampshire Energy Wars

As we head into another cold winter, there will inevitably be an increased demand for energy. That high demand could cause a natural gas shortage in New Hampshire. And with natural gas prioritized for heating over electricity, the Granite State may be facing a season of blackouts.

Meanwhile, as previously noted in this space, the state is fast approaching an arbitrary cap on net energy metering (NEM), a program in 43 states that has spurred exponential growth in rooftop solar installations by making renewable energy affordable in low and medium-income communities.

Unfortunately, there is currently no plan to lift this cap. Instead, New Hampshire utilities like Eversource are pushing the $1.4 billion Northern Pass project to pipe in gas from Canada. The Northern Pass would not only base our energy future on foreign power, but also de-prioritize a rooftop solar industry that’s creating thousands of jobs, bringing relief to ratepayers, and protecting our environment.

Rooftop solar provides power at times of peak demand – during the day when many homes and businesses are using their gas heaters – and without the need to invest in large infrastructure projects. This industry is consumer-driven and creates a distributed energy grid that is safer and more efficient than any gas pipeline. And while solar opponents make false allegations to the contrary, rooftop solar is a financial benefit to ALL ratepayers, which has been borne out by independent studies in Vermont, Nevada, Mississippi, and other states.

From a common sense perspective, New Hampshire should be embracing rooftop solar as the natural solution to their pending natural gas shortage, not capping it. The people of New Hampshire deserve a local, clean energy future that they can help power from their homes if they choose to do so.

Fortunately, the state legislature and Governor Maggie Hassan can ensure this future during the upcoming session by passing and signing a bill to lift the net metering cap, and they’d be wise to do so. New Hampshire solar jobs and broader economic growth are at stake.