Meredith Cooley lives in Concord.

It is clear to me that Concord stands at a pivotal moment in its energy future. In a time marked by growing environmental and economic concerns, communities across New Hampshire (on the heels of the country and the Northeast) are seeking innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges of energy affordability and sustainability. As residents, we have the opportunity to shape this future by urging our city councilors to vote in favor of joining the Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH) at the city council meeting on March 11. This decision holds immense potential for Concord, offering a pathway toward sustainability, affordability, and local control over our energy resources.

I was thrilled to hear about the recent recommendation by the Environment and Energy Advisory Committee to enroll in community power and join CPCNH (you can read the report and recommendation to city council from the Feb. 12 council meeting agenda published on the city website: concordnh.gov). Through months of research, it has become clear that CPCNH is not just a coalition; it’s a catalyst for positive change in how we approach energy.

The economic benefits of CPCNH membership are undeniable. My neighbor, who served on the community power subcommittee, explains that the move to community power through the CPCNH is similar to moving from shopping retail to shopping wholesale — the cost savings are unbeatable. By leveraging collective bargaining power and strategic procurement, CPCNH can secure affordable and stable energy prices, benefitting both residents and local businesses. The coalition has consistently outperformed utility rates and for-profit brokers, saving communities millions of dollars. Moreover, CPCNH’s financial reserve ensures stability against future cost fluctuations, empowering us to make sound long-term investments in energy. Concord residents will save money on their energy costs!

Beyond economic gains, joining CPCNH opens doors to renewable energy initiatives that can transform our city. CPCNH empowers municipalities to make smart investments in renewable energy infrastructure at a community scale, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting environmental sustainability, while reducing electricity bills. I want to be able to tell my children that we set them and future generations up for greater energy self-reliance.

But perhaps the most significant advantage of joining CPCNH, in my opinion, is the community engagement and empowerment it fosters. Membership in the coalition ensures active participation in governance, with transparent decision-making processes that safeguard our interests. This collaborative approach empowers us as residents to shape policies and programs that align with our values and priorities, creating a more informed and environmentally conscious community.

I feel that the concerns about loss of autonomy and competitiveness are natural, but unfounded. CPCNH prioritizes local control and accountability. Member municipalities retain decision-making authority over key aspects of energy planning and implementation. Moreover, CPCNH’s track record of success speaks for itself with consistently lower rates and greater savings compared to traditional utility and broker models. With CPCNH’s proven track record and flexibility in the marketplace, Concord can confidently join our many neighboring towns and cities in the coalition to work collectively towards our long-term sustainability goals.

Joining CPCNH is a smart move that empowers Concord to achieve our energy goals while improving affordability, sustainability, and local control. Let’s seize this opportunity to shape our energy future collaboratively and secure a brighter, greener tomorrow for Concord. Please join me at the city council meeting on March 11 to urge city council to vote ‘yes!’