Public hearing on draft electric aggregation plan for Dover Community Power on Dec. 14

posted on 12/13/2022

While many New Hampshire residents saw a dramatic spike in electric utility rates this fall, the City of Dover and Dover Energy Commission have been working towards providing all ratepayers the best possible rates with expanded choices that will include renewable energy.

Dover became a charter member of the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) with the primary objectives of creating savings for customers, supporting local businesses, and reducing fossil fuel consumption while enhancing electricity grid reliability. CPCNH works like a cooperative, utilizing the combined purchasing power of participating customers within the active communities. Given that membership already includes 24 municipalities and one county, the Dover Energy Commission believes that very competitive rates are likely achievable.

The City Council has charged the Dover Energy Commission with overseeing the creation of the plan that will form a foundation for how the city interacts with CPCNH to purchase electric power on behalf of the municipality and participating customers citywide. The commission has approved a draft plan and is now soliciting public input during the second of two public hearings.

As a guide to assist the public, the Energy Commission and City of Dover Resilience Manager Jackson Kaspari have prepared a video that provides an overview of the objectives and plan deliverables which can be viewed here. This video, along with general information on community power and the 75-page draft plan, can be found here: https://bit.ly/3EHUPOE.

Citizen input will be invaluable for a successful launch and for establishing priorities, so your questions and comments will be greatly appreciated. The public hearing will be held in the McConnell Center’s Room 305 at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14.