NEWBURY COMMUNITY POWER

WHAT IS IT, WHY SHOULD YOU CARE, AND WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

 WHAT IS COMMUNITY POWER?

Community Power is a New Hampshire program that allows municipalities to procure electricity on behalf of its residents and small businesses with the objectives of 1) reducing energy costs and 2) increasing options for renewable energy usage.

Newbury Community Power gives residents and small businesses the option to choose whether their electricity is supplied by their current provider (i.e., Eversource) or through an alternative, and often more competitively priced provider. Energy delivery (i.e., wires and poles) will continue to be provided and supported by Eversource.

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What Happens Now?

In November 2024, the Selectboard voted to join the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) Merrimack County, also known as Merrimack County Community Power, a non-profit program that pools the buying power of residents and businesses to achieve competitively priced electricity and offer renewable energy choices. Launch was scheduled for March 2025.

At their January 2025 meeting, the Selectboard voted to pause this launch due to unanticipated changing market conditions. Newbury residents voted for Community Power primarily on the basis of cost savings and the Selectboard felt that launching during a period of market uncertainty was unwise. The Selectboard will continue to monitor this situation.

In the meantime, residents and small businesses still have the option to “opt in” to Merrimack County Community Power on an individual basis. “Opting in” give residents and small businesses access to Merrimack County Community Power electricity rates and renewable energy options.

Simply click this link and follow the enrollment instructions on the Merrimack County Community Power website. In the “Get Started” box select Eversource and Merrimack, County of.

For more information, please visit the CPCNH Frequently Asked Questions page via this link. Other questions can be sent via email to info@CommunityPowerNH.gov.