As Spring Ledge Farm’s Greg Berger demonstrates in “With energy prices soaring, some see wood heat as a chance to ‘buy local’” (Amanda Gokee, NH Bulletin, 1/7) sourcing your heating fuel locally is important from both a price and environmental perspective. Wood heat sustains local jobs and provides residents with a cost-effective heating alternative. Nearly 80% of money spent on wood pellets or chips stays in our communities. In 2022, wood pellets for Granite Staters were 66% cheaper than the average cost of electricity and 34% cheaper than the average cost of fuel oil. Using local, modern wood heat from well-managed forests protects our natural areas, wildlife habitats, and beloved recreation areas from encroaching development.

In New Hampshire, forest growth currently exceeds harvest by more than 2:1, making it hard to argue that our wood resources are not being used sustainably. While switching to modern wood heat can be a substantial investment like most renewable energy systems, it’s a choice that reaps benefits for the long-term and for future generations. This heating option pairs well with other renewable efforts, such as solar panels, where homeowners can cut their greenhouse gas emissions by over 50% on day one after switching from fossil fuels. FeelGoodHeat.org is an educational resource that provides more information about making the switch, and with state rebates and a federal tax credit, modern wood heat is a viable climate change solution that utilizes a local and renewable resource in our own backyard.

Joe Short

Concord

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