January 16, 2019 (CONCORD, NH) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today in response to a decision by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission to launch the state’s first residential battery storage program and time-of-use rate pilot.
“Storing energy inside our homes is a win for New Hampshire residents and the environment,” said Melissa Birchard, Senior Attorney at CLF New Hampshire. “Today’s decision will help families save money on their electric bills and keep the lights on when winter storms inevitably strike. We must continue to find innovative ways to reduce climate-damaging emissions and encourage clean energy over polluting fossil fuels.”
CLF worked with Liberty Utilities and NH Public Utilities Commission staff to create the agreement that was approved today.
Under the program, Liberty and private companies will install 1000 batteries in New Hampshire homes over several years. The batteries can be charged using rooftop solar, and they will be used for two main purposes: to help customers keep the lights on at home after a storm, and to avoid importing electricity from the regional grid when prices (and pollution) spike.
The Public Utilities Commission order can be found here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
###