New Hampshire community power law still reshaping market

UTILITIES: A statewide New Hampshire community power coalition will become the state’s second-largest electrical supplier this spring after it adds another 29 communities, and it continues to deliver power prices lower than every other utility in the state. (Energy News Network)

ALSO: United Illuminating argues against claims made by Connecticut’s attorney general regarding its cleanup obligations to a defunct coal- and oil-fired power plant. (Hartford Courant)

POLICY:

• A New Hampshire legislative committee unanimously votes against a Republican-sponsored bill that would’ve sent state officials to prison for up to 20 years for considering climate impacts and other ESG factors in public investments. (E&E News)
• Some Philadelphia city councilors want to authorize a hearing on the city’s progress on its carbon neutrality-by-2050 goal and identify faster emission reduction strategies. (WHYY)
• Connecticut continues to struggle to make comparable progress toward some of its climate goals compared to New York and other neighboring states. (CT Mirror)

TRANSIT:

• A Rhode Island transit riders advocacy group calls the state’s plan to build a new bus hub ​“completely unnecessary,” ​“financially irresponsible” and less convenient. (WPRI)
• Maine transportation officials plan to pilot a commuter bus route between Portland and the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, aiming to start operations by June. (Portland Press Herald)

AFFORDABILITY: Vermont communities with low energy burdens also have the highest clean energy technology adoption rates, suggesting lower-income households aren’t getting the help they need. (Bennington Banner)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Plans for a southern Maine town to apply for a federal grant to replace diesel school buses with electric models face social media pushback over fire safety, although diesel buses have also ignited. (Sun Journal)

CLIMATE: President Biden issues a major disaster declaration for the December wind storm that swept through Maine, opening up federal relief funds for nine counties, as well as individual family aid for those in five counties. (Bangor Daily News)

SOLAR: In western New York, the developer of the roughly 88 MW Bear Ridge Solar facility says construction could begin as soon as late 2024. (Lockport Union-Sun & Journal)