Several energy bills proposed in the Legislature this year are vital to N.H. businesses and municipalities, and to the economic and environmental resiliency of the entire state in the years to come. The most notable, House Bill 365, allows businesses, towns and school districts to qualify for net metering (sell energy back to the electric grid) for renewable energy projects that can produce up to 5 megawatts of energy. The current limit is 1 megawatt.
Passage of HB 365 would mean businesses, towns and school districts would see a cut in their energy bills. It would mean projects on town-owned land/buildings could help reduce tax rates. It would also boost private investment in larger renewable energy projects.
HB 365 passed by a large majority in the House and Senate and is now on or near Gov. Sununu’s desk. He vetoed a very similar bill last year. That decision, reflecting uncertain renewable energy policies in New Hampshire, is one of the reasons 261 jobs in the solar industry were lost in 2018.
Numerous N.H. municipalities and businesses are eager for HB 365 to pass. A great example is Derry, which wants to install a solar farm on a 10-acre capped landfill. A 5 megawatt solar facility could meet nearly all of the town’s electricity needs, and help taxpayers.
Please let Gov. Sununu know you want him to pass HB 365. And please contact legislators asking them to override a possible veto.
VICTORIA PARMELE
Northwood