What is Community Power?
Under NH RSA 53-E, municipalities can pool a community's total energy needs to make a bulk purchase of electricity.
Community Power is a way for cities to get more energy from renewable resources, while possibly helping ratepayers save money on their energy bills, too. Listen to this audio guide to learn more about how power programs work and how Keene could benefit.
"We’re buying the electricity in bulk for the entire city. The city basically does that for your water. Why can’t they do it for your electricity?"
--Denis MacDougall, City of Medford, Mass.
Frequently asked questions
What is Community Power?
How would Community Power help Keene?
How would I participate in Community Power?
Keene residents who currently receive Eversource’s default energy supply would be automatically enrolled in the CPP. You’d get a notification from the City in the mail to let you know about this change.
How would I pay my bill?
You’d still pay your electricity bill to Eversource, just like before.
Would I be obligated to participate in Community Power?
No. You could opt out of the CPP at any time, without incurring a fee or penalty. This means you would continue to buy energy from Eversource or a competitive supplier.
Would I be charged a higher delivery rate?
No. The source of your energy doesn't influence the price of energy delivery.
Updates
On June 18, 2020, the Keene City Council approved the formation of an Ad-Hoc Community Power Committee (CPC).
What is the role of the CPC?
The CPC is charged with developing an electric aggregation plan for the citizens of Keene.
To learn more about the Ad-Hoc CPC, please visit the City of Keene website.
Carole Collins of Greenfield, Mass., tells us how Greenfield ratepayers are saving money and meeting their sustainability goals with their community power program. Listen to the interview.