Learn About State-Wide Energy Policies

• Read the NH State Energy Strategy
• Understand current energy legislation and opportunities to voice your opinion through the NH Sustainable Energy Association (NHSEA)

• Sign up for regular NHSEA's legislative updates by emailing: info@nhsea.org with “Newsletter sign-up” in the subject line
• Review state agency resources on energy policy issues:
  • NHDES Letters of Testimony on Energy Policy Issues
  • Review the PUC docketbook
  • NH OEP Energy Division Publications and Reports
• Review studies and reports: 
  • 2011 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Review (NH)
  • Independent Study of Energy Policy Issues (NH), Final Report  (9/30/11)
  • The New Hampshire Climate Action Plan:  A Plan for New Hampshire's Energy, Environmental and Economic Development

Form a Municipal Energy Committee 

• Contact the Local Energy Work Group’s Co-Chair for assistance
• Review the Energy Committee Fact Sheet that provides guidance on the enabling legislation to form Energy Committees
• Review Sample Warrant Article Language for your town to consider using if you want to form an energy commission. The first example is solely for the formation of an energy commission. The second example is for the formation of an energy commission along with the appropriation of funds for the commission into a newly established Energy Commission Fund. 
• Seek advice from the Department of Revenue Services and the Local Government Center before proceeding with forming an energy commission.

Set Achievable Municipal Energy Goals 

• Understand when best to tackle certain projects based on the Energy Calendar For Traditional March Town Meeting in NH (NH Local Energy Work Group)
• NH Handbook on Energy Efficiency and Climate Change, Volume 1

 Assess Funding/Financing Opportunities for Energy Projects 

• Find a comprehensive list of incentives by state through DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Energy Efficiency) or see the links below 

• NH Core Utility Programs: Financial and Technical Assistance Programs for Municipal and School Energy Projects in NH  
• NH Public Utilities Commission’s Renewable Energy Rebates
• Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Market Revenue - To learn more about how to certify REC’s from a residential or commercial renewable energy system contact Barbara Bernstein 
• NH Public Utilities Commission’s annual Sustainable Energy RFP
• ​US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Loans and Grants

• Small grants for education, outreach and community energy projects through the New England Grassroots Environment Fund Small Grants Program 
• NH Community Development Finance Authority’s Municipal Energy Reduction Fund (MERF) for energy efficiency projects
• NH Department of Environmental Services Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) for water conservation

• Funding for energy audits and loans to improve and replace wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems through the New Hampshire Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (NH CWSRF)
• Net metering & Group Net Metering
• Energy Performance Contracts

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Develop or Update Energy Chapter in Master Plan

• Review Sample Energy Project Chapters: Berlin, Brookline, Concord, Deerfield, Durham, Hollis, Lebanon, New Boston, New Castle, Plainfield, Rye, Temple

Develop Property Tax Exemptions for Renewable Energy

• Learn about NH Property Tax Exemptions
• Consult local officials for current renewable energy tax exemption status. If your city or town does not currently offer such exemptions, see procedures for adopting local property tax exemptions.

Encourage Energy Code Compliance for New Construction Projects 
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Adopt a PACE Ordinance 

• Learn about C-PACE through our LES Webinar: C-PACE Overview - New Hampshire's new market-driven energy solution for businesses

• Find out more information through the Jordan Institute, the organization administering the C-PACE program