New Hampshire Ups Renewable Energy Use

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch announced last week that the state is now getting 25% of the electricity used by the majority of state government buildings from renewable sources.

The state competitively bid its state energy contract, looking at bids from both renewable and traditional fuel suppliers. As a result of that process, the State of New Hampshire has entered into a contract with ConEdison Solutions to provide wind power to the state. The wind power contract runs from July 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010.

“We can build a stronger economy and create jobs for our families by focusing on building a greener, more energy efficient economy and reducing our reliance on expensive fossil fuels,” Gov. Lynch said. “Today, the state is taking another step in our efforts to protect our economy and our natural resources by ensuring 25% of the electricity used by state government comes from clean, renewable wind power. We are again leading by example as we work to secure our energy independence.”

Gov. Lynch has set a goal of ensuring 25% of New Hampshire’s energy comes from renewable sources by 2025. In addition, the state is undertaking a Green Jobs initiative with funds from the state’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and economic stimulus that will include job training; low interest loans for businesses to become more energy efficient; upgrading the efficiency of state buildings; and helping citizens weatherize their homes to reduce their energy costs. (RGGI establishes a regional cap and trade program to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Since 2005, 10 northeastern states have developed and signed on to RGGI: New Hampshire, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.)

For this most recent wind energy initiative, ConEdison Solutions procures the wind power on behalf of the state from wind farms around the nation. As the generators produce electricity, they also issue renewable energy credits that confirm wind energy was created and delivered to the electricity grid.

“New Hampshire is setting an outstanding example for the rest of America through its significant purchase of certified wind power,” said Jorge J. Lopez, president and CEO of ConEdison Solutions. “We are proud to have been chosen to help the state achieve its clean energy goals.”