New Hampshire Delegation Welcomes Nearly $500,000 to Expand Energy Efficiency Efforts in Rural Communities
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) alongside U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced that $499,128 is heading to Clean Energy NH to support the expansion of their work to assist small businesses and agricultural producers in New Hampshire’s rural communities with energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These funds were allocated through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance as part of nearly $2 billion in funding provided for REAP through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
“I’m pleased to see federal funds I helped secure in the Inflation Reduction Act headed to Clean Energy NH to support energy efficiency and renewable energy in New Hampshire’s rural communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “Investing in energy efficiency is a commonsense way for Granite State farmers and small businesses to save money on heating, cooling and other energy costs while also reducing environmental impacts. By providing technical assistance, NH Clean Energy will help more Granite Staters tap into the record investment in the Rural Energy for America Program.”
“Energy efficient upgrades lower costs and help combat climate change. We significantly increased funding for the Rural Energy for America Program as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, and I’m excited to see this latest federal funding to help more small business owners and farmers apply for energy efficiency improvement and renewable energy system grants through this important program.” said Senator Hassan.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy in New Hampshire, and I'm committed to ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed and thrive," said Congresswoman Kuster. “These significant resources will help support rural small business owners and farmers throughout our state install energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems, lowering costs, creating resiliency in the face of extreme weather, and building a greener future for all.”
“Supporting rural businesses looking to transition to clean energy is vital to protecting our environment, creating jobs, and generating economic growth,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “This funding from the Rural Energy for America Program will continue to help New Hampshire businesses invest in renewable energy, and I’ll keep fighting for resources to support businesses and agricultural producers making this transition.”
Clean Energy NH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting policies and programs that support clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives in New Hampshire. Specifically, these funds will be used to allow Clean Energy NH to assist rural small businesses and agricultural producers with applying for REAP energy efficiency improvement or renewable energy system grants. Technical assistance will include energy assessments, efficiency education, registration guidance for federal awards, project management and outreach.
Senator Hassan is working to strengthen energy efficiency and lower energy costs across New Hampshire. Along with Shaheen, Hassan negotiated the bipartisan infrastructure law, which includes major investments in clean energy. The legislation also supports domestic battery energy storage development and deployment, technology needed to increase the use of renewable energy sources and eliminate reliability gaps throughout the day. These provisions build on Senator Hassan’s bipartisan Battery Storage Innovation Act – which was previously signed into law. In addition, Senator Hassan successfully included in the?Inflation Reduction Act?her measure?with Susan Collins (R-ME) to help lower energy costs for families and reduce carbon emissions by expanding and extending a tax credit for energy efficient home upgrades.
###
