PETERBOROUGH ENERGY ACTION is a grassroots organization working with the community to transition Our Town — Peterborough, New Hampshire to 100% clean, affordable, renewable energy for all. Our aim is to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% renewable heat and transportation by 2050.
READY FOR 100
Nationally supported, locally run.
Peterborough Energy Action has joined up with cities and towns across the country to commit to transitioning our community to 100% clean, renewable, and economical energy with the support of the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100% program. There are already 5 towns in New Hampshire that have succeeded in making this commitment by bringing the issue into their community’s decision making process. These towns are Keene, Concord, Hanover, Cornish, and Plainfield. Help us make Peterborough the next New Hampshire town to be Ready for 100!
MAKING THE CASE FOR 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY
Climate change is profoundly impacting our local and global environment, public health, and economy. A renewable and clean energy transition is not only a viable tool to address the climate crisis, but it also presents many economic and social justice opportunities.
Learn more: CLIMATE CHANGE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: IMPACTS & OPPORTUNITY
PETERBOROUGH'S GREEN HISTORY
Peterborough has a proud history of climate action. From passing climate-focused resolutions to meeting a portion of municipal electricity demands with renewable energy sources — our community has shown that it cares about Peterborough's role in solving the climate crisis. This Ready for 100% Resolution is the next clear step in executing our town's commitment to a sustainable future.
Learn more about our town's green accomplishments: PETERBOROUGH'S GREEN HISTORY
The Plan
COMMUNITY INPUT
We want the commitment to and eventual achievement of 100% reliance on renewable energy to benefit 100% of the community. To help ensure that it does, we are reaching out to members of the community to understand the challenges they anticipate in reaching our goal. We have already met with several individuals and held our first community dialogue (online, so we are sharing ideas and not COVID-19). If you are interested in participating in a future community dialogue, go to our Get Involved section to choose a date and register.
WARRANT ARTICLE AND TOWN MEETING VOTE
The 100% Renewable Energy resolution will be submitted to the town as a warrant article, or a proposal that goes before the voters at Town Meeting. Here is the 100% Renewable Energy Warrant Article that Peterborough Energy Action will ask to go on the ballot.
Before Town Meeting, the warrant article will go through several steps. In March, it will be submitted to the town as a petition with at least 25 residents’ signatures. Then in April, the town will hold a Deliberative Session where residents can ask questions and offer amendments to the warrant article.
If you live in Peterborough, please show your support for the warrant article by signing this petition.
The Select Board will then vote on whether to recommend the adoption of the warrant article. And finally, it will go before the voters at Town Meeting in May.
Peterborough’s Town Meeting has 2 parts - a ballot vote on the 2nd Tuesday in May and an Open Session the following day at which residents discuss the remaining warrant articles and vote on them in person. We don’t know yet whether the 100% Renewable warrant article will be decided at the ballot box or at Open Session as this is up to the discretion of the Select Board.
COMMUNITY POWER
In order to transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030, there needs to be a cost effective plan that all residents have access to regardless of income. In other words, we cannot ask everyone to buy solar panels for their homes. Fortunately, the New Hampshire legislature passed the Community Power Law (SB 286) last fall.
Community power can be an energy game-changer that gives local communities control over their energy supply. The law enables municipalities to purchase and provide electricity for their residents and businesses on a competitive basis. In other words, local governments are able to buy electricity in bulk at wholesale rates from electricity suppliers, while utilities continue to distribute electricity. This style of local, bulk purchasing, known as Community Choice Aggregation in many states, is called Community Power in NH. Among other benefits, community power can enable towns to prioritize renewable energy, lower electricity costs for individuals, and harness private sector innovation. Check out Community Power New Hampshire’s FAQ & Overview of Community Power to learn the ins and outs of implementing community power or visit MonadnockSustainabilityHub.org for more information.
