Angst and attention is rightly being placed on the National governance crisis. But don’t let that distract from local and personal opportunities for moving the energy transition forward–far out of reach from the White House. Citizen involvement in the municipal government’s energy matters can be one avenue–with minimal barriers. Energy Committees in about 90 NH municipalities enable citizen input on how their town manages its energy needs, and how in turn the town may facilitate citizens managing their energy needs. Energy Committees can help identify paths to leverage solar energy and highly efficient electrification for reducing energy costs for municipalities, taxpayers, and homeowners alike.
Third Act is beginning a national push for solar energy adoption, teaming with an organization with model policies that can help expedite homeowner solar projects if/when adopted by municipalities. A majority of NH’s towns haven’t adopted any solar policy, and few actively facilitate solar adoption. As Third Act’s solar program rolls out, grassroots efforts will be needed to make the case for adoption of so-called “instant permitting” by municipalities. Energy Committees provide an obvious place to start.
Many NH towns have already taken steps to incorporate solar into municipal facilities. Has yours? These can be complicated projects but NH Network and Clean Energy NH have experience and resources to help.
Third Act NH now has members in roughly a third of NH municipalities. Your first step is to locate the energy committee in your town. Some volunteers will be investigating how to get an energy committee set up in their towns lacking them. Our efforts may require some time and determination, but energy economics fuels this local climate action, and partners will serve as guides. No special expertise is required. There are enough resources available to fill a couple of pages of resource links even before Third Act ramps up. Contact me: Bill Coder williamcoder1@gmail.com