At their regular monthly meeting on May 7, members of the Andover Energy Group in attendance signed and sent the following letter to State Senator Andrew Hosmer.

Dear Senator Hosmer:

We are concerned about the budget proposed by the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Specifically, we are appalled by the attempt to divert $51 million from the “dedicated” renewable energy incentive program to fill gaps in the 2015 general budget.

At a time when state residents are beginning to make significant progress in becoming more energy-independent by installing solar hot water systems, making their homes more efficient through air sealing and insulation, adding photovoltaic (PV) panels to their roofs, and upgrading heating/cooling systems, it makes no sense to abruptly end the incentives that were put in place by the legislative process that were designed to help the state become less dependent on imported oil, coal, gas, and electric power. Of course this benefit goes hand in hand with reducing carbon emissions while creating local jobs for installers, technicians, and sales people.

For example, our group has recently helped coordinate an initiative that resulted in doubling of the amount of electricity produced by PV panels in our town. This effort was facilitated by the Vital Communities organization in the Upper Valley. The New Hampshire renewable energy incentives served as a key element for the residents in Andover as well as in several other communities who also took part in this initiative.

We urge you and your fellow state senators to support the governor’s budget proposal that leaves the renewable energy incentive program fully funded in the next budget cycle.

Respectfully,

Members of the Andover Energy Group

Larry Chase

Susan Chase

Gisela Darling

Steve Darling

Vicky Mishcon

Janet Moore

Andy Prokosch

Nancy Teach