for energy transitions at the municipal level. But Melissa Elander, who works with communities in the North Country to implement energy projects through Clean Energy New Hampshire, said the state has provided little support for energy committees.
While Patterson did not directly address a question from NHPR about how the state views the role of local communities in its energy strategy, she noted that the agency oversees rebate and grant programs that have supported energy projects at the municipal level.In some communities, those leading the way on local energy committees have struggled to convince their neighbors to take an interest in climate solutions — or talk about climate change at all.
“The whole Yankee independence and ingenuity and frugality thing rings pretty strong up here,” he said. But he knows his work is important — and that it could help spur action elsewhere. Van Houten is part of a regional effort to encourage the development of sustainable energy practices with a few other towns in the region.
But when the issue came up at town meeting, the community didn’t need much convincing. Fitzpatrick thinks the visibility of similar energy projects in the area helped to win voters over.Franconia’s planned array is also relatively small and inexpensive. It’ll cost the town, up-front, a bit less than a new police cruiser and a skid loader — two other items voters approved on this year’s town warrant.