PLYMOUTH, NH - Members of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative have the opportunity to recycle their old refrigerators and freezers and collect $30.

Are you running two refrigerators or freezers in your home? Older refrigerators and freezers typically use two times more electricity than newer models, costing you up to $150 per year just to run that second fridge or freezer. That’s a steep price to pay just to chill a few items. Recycle it - reduce your energy use and keep harmful materials out of landfills. We’ll pick it up for free and you’ll get a $30 rebate for doing the right thing!

 

To participate you must be a residential member of New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC), and your second refrigerator or freezer must be:

 

·         Installed in NHEC territory

·         In working condition and owned by the resident

·         10 – 30 cubic feet using inside measurements

·         Plugged in and running on the day of pickup

·         Clean, empty, defrosted and disconnected from water lines prior to the pickup. Member must also provide clear and safe access to the appliance for the removal team.

·         An adult, 18 years or older, must be present to sign a waiver and release the unit at the time of pickup

·         Limit of two (2) units per member service address per calendar year

 

NHEC contracts with JACO Environmental Inc. for recycling. Your $30 rebate check will be mailed within 4 – 6 weeks of the pickup.

 

To enroll today call toll free 1-877-545-4113 or click here. This offer is good for a limited time only.

WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) and a collaborative of other New Hampshire utilities with a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for outstanding contributions to energy efficiency services and information.

 

NHEC is part of a collaborative of four New Hampshire electric utilities (NHEC, PSNH, Liberty Utilities, Unitil) that provides a wide range of energy efficiency programs for New Hampshire residents and businesses under the NHSaves brand name. For its part in providing energy efficiency programs and solutions to its members, NHEC was recognized at an awards ceremony held March 26 in Washington, D.C.

 

NHEC and the collaborative were honored specifically for the delivery of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program and the ENERGY STAR Homes program. Since its start in 2009, the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program has weatherized more than 2,000 New Hampshire homes and saved more than 42 million lifetime kilowatt-hours of electricity and 956,000 lifetime MMBTUs from oil, natural gas, kerosene, coal and wood.

 

NHEC and the collaborative have also helped more than 6,000 new homes achieve the ENERGY STAR certification for energy efficiency since 2002. Based on U.S. Census data, more than one in three new NH homes earn the ENERGY STAR label. Over the past 10 years, the New Hampshire ENERGY STAR Homes Program has been the driving force behind the ENERGY STAR Home market share growing from 2% in 2002-2003 to 36% of new homes built in 2011.

 

The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards for Energy Efficiency Program Delivery are selected from the nearly 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. EPA in 1992 as a partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Over the last 20 years, with help from ENERGY STAR, American families and businesses have saved more than $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

NHEC is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving 83,000 homes and businesses in New Hampshire.

 

PLYMOUTH, NH – Major upgrades to New Hampshire Electric Co-op’s (NHEC) Green Street substation were designed to greatly improve the reliability of electric service to downtown Plymouth and Plymouth State University.

 

 The rebuilt substation, which went online March 14, provides electricity at 12.47 kilovolts (kv) to the town of Plymouth in an area that runs from Route 175 in Holderness north to McDonalds on Route 3 and west to the end of Highland Street where it meets Tenney Mountain Highway. It also serves all of Plymouth State University’s facilities.

 

Prior to the recent renovations, the Green Street substation provided power at 5 kv and was not connected to other NHEC substations in the area. The refurbished substation has more than doubled that voltage capacity and is now connected to NHEC substations in Bridgewater and Fairgrounds Road in Plymouth. This means that for the first time, NHEC will be able to reroute power to downtown Plymouth in the event of a loss of power to the Green Street substation, or when the substation is de-energized for maintenance. Work scheduled for this summer will also tie NHEC’s Rumney substation to the Green Street, Fairgrounds Road and Bridgewater substations.

 

“The work at Green Street represents a major investment in the reliability of electric service to downtown Plymouth,” said James Bakas, NHEC Vice President of Operations & Engineering. “Power outages have an economic impact, particularly in a commercial area like downtown Plymouth, so we’re glad to complete this project which should reduce the number and duration of outages there.”

 

Work at the Green Street site included a significant expansion of the substation’s footprint and the installation of all new transformers and voltage regulators. Due to the proximity of the substation to the Pemigewasset River, a number of environmental measures were taken, including the construction of a retaining wall on the side that faces the river. Like other NHEC substations, the Green Street facility also has an oil containment system that includes a polypropylene membrane and a 2,000 gallon catch basin beneath the new transformers.

 

Work on the project was completed by I C Reed & Sons of Raymond, NH, NHEC’s primary contractor for substation construction.

 

NHEC is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving 83,000 homes and businesses in 115 New Hampshire communities.

 

 

Q: “I am seeing more and more options for fuel-efficient cars. I’m currently in the market for a new car and wondered what you thought of the options out there for the best combination of mileage, cost and convenience”

 

A: Just a few years ago there were only one or two choices in light vehicle drive train options. About 99% of the light vehicle drive trains were gasoline driven with a few diesel driven options. Today there are three to five different drive train options available. We still have gasoline and diesel options that top out at a maximum of about 40 miles-per-gallon, but there are also hybrid vehicles (HEV), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) and all-electric vehicles (EV).

 

The new HEV, PHEV and EV vehicles provide many opportunities for today’s car buyer to drive more miles for less fuel but each has been designed with unique characteristics. Car buyers need to know their driving needs and habits and match their needs to the right vehicle. Here are some considerations…

 

First, using electricity to power your vehicle is less than half the cost of using a gas-driven vehicle. Plus, most electricity in New England is produced locally and usually from domestic fuels.  That said, if you have not planned well ,you may not love your straight electric vehicle (EV) so much if it runs out of charge after 70 miles.

 

So what’s out there for options? Below are some definitions, benefits and drawbacks of the various types of vehicle on the market today.

HEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine or other propulsion source that runs on conventional fuel and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine and it is not plugged in to charge.

Benefits – Typically can be driven across country with refueling stops; mileage per gallon can be 50 to 100% better than conventional gas vehicles; reduced air emissions; generally lower maintenance costs; usually a longer power train and/or battery warranty.

Drawbacks – Usually, but not always, a higher initial purchase price; driving characteristics may be slightly different than conventional vehicles; sometimes they look unconventional; four or all wheel drive vehicle options are limited.

PHEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine that can run on conventional fuel and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The vehicle operates just like a hybrid vehicle but can also be plugged into an electric power source to charge the battery to a higher degree almost like a second battery.  Some PHEVs are also called extended range electric vehicles (EREVs).

Benefits – Can be driven cross -country with refueling stops but can also be driven on electric alone with no gasoline usage; can be recharged at times when lower electric rates are available; blended electric and gas mileage per gallon can be another 50 to 100% better than standard hybrid gas vehicles; reduced air emissions; runs quiet; generally lower maintenance costs; longer power train or battery warranty; can be recharged with home renewable energy sources. These vehicles could be the transitional bridge between conventionally fueled vehicles and all electric vehicles.-

Drawbacks – Usually a higher initial purchase price. Driving characteristics may be slightly different than conventional vehicles. Sometimes they look unconventional. Four or all wheel drive vehicle options are very limited at the present.

 

EVs use a battery to store the electric energy that powers the motor. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source and they do have a regenerative drive like a hybrid. EVs are sometimes referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Benefits: No gasoline usage; can be recharged at times when lower electric rates are available; no air emissions (except at the generator site which is usually government monitored and regulated); generally lower maintenance costs; longer power train or battery warranty; very quiet when running; can be recharged with home renewable energy sources.

Drawbacks: Usually a higher initial purchase price; limited range. EVs have an average range of 60-80 miles per charge, making them impractical for long journeys (unless you plan your recharging stops well).  In cold climates heating and defrosting is from battery power and can reduce vehicle range. There are electric vehicles that can go 200 to 300 miles but you need to purchase the larger battery. However, the average American drives about 30 miles round trip to and from work each day, so from a commuting standpoint, an EV may be the right choice, especially as a second vehicle.

 

Your options are growing for fuel-efficient cars, but so are your resources to learn more. Websites to consult: www.greencarreports.com, www.pluginamerica.org, www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric.html

PLYMOUTH, NH – Heavy snow and high winds are expected over much of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) service territory from the morning of Friday, February 8 to the afternoon of Saturday February 9. NHEC is preparing for possible power outages and encourages its members to do the same.

NHEC operating districts in 10 locations around the state are stocked with emergency supplies. In addition to its full complement of line crews, NHEC has secured additional contract line and tree crews to assist in the event of significant power outages. NHEC is a member of several mutual aid groups and can draw additional assistance, if necessary, from public power companies across the northeast.

 

NHEC encourages its member to prepare for possible outages as well by stocking up on the following:

·         Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

·         Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

·         Flashlight (Do not use candles during a power outage due to the extreme risk of fire.)

·         Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

·         Extra batteries

·         First aid kit

·         Medications (7-day supply) and required medical items

·         Multi-purpose tool

·         Sanitation and personal hygiene items

·         Cell phone with chargers (charge phone before storm hits)

·         Family and emergency contact information

·         Extra cash

·         If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining equipment, remember to include backup power in your evacuation plan

·         Keep a non-cordless telephone in your home. It is likely to work even when the power is out.

 

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH - Powered by more than $100,000 in energy efficiency incentives from New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC), the Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery is putting the finishing touches on a major expansion.

 

Already the largest employer in Woodstock with 100 employees in season, the Woodstock Inn Station continues to grow with the construction of a 13,000 square foot addition that has allowed owner Scott Rice to open a new function room and move his successful brewing operation in-house.

 

A gleaming new 30-barrel brewery is set to start brewing Woodstock Inn’s popular line of classic and seasonal beers inside the building that bears its name. Until now, the Inn’s bottled beer was contract brewed by the Shipyard Brewery in Portland, Maine. Moving the brewing operation to North Woodstock, plus the addition of the new function room, will create an additional 12 to 15 jobs, Rice said.

 

Throughout the two-year project, NHEC has provided energy efficiency incentives and expertise that will result in annual energy savings of $28,000.

 

“From the very beginning NHEC has been an indispensable partner in planning for our electric needs,” Rice said. “Not only did they spend a lot of time and effort working with me on my renewable and energy saving options for the new construction, but also on improving our current facility for electricity and fossil fuel usage.”

 

Working with Rice and neighboring business owners in North Woodstock, NHEC relocated a three-phase electric service entrance that improved service reliability while preserving the appearance of the town’s Main Street. That move set the stage for a series of energy efficiency improvements, including the installation of an ozone cleaning system in the Inn’s laundry, energy-efficient lighting, four air source heat pumps for heating and cooling, and a solar photovoltaic (PV) system that qualified for a $19,000 NHEC incentive. All told, Rice received more than $107,000 in Co-op Energy Solutions incentives towards the cost of the $2.3 million project. 

 

Like the extensive construction plans, Rice says planning energy infrastructure improvements was well worth the time.

 

“The folks at the NHEC devoted a lot of time going through all sorts of options till we finally came up with a plan that worked for my business,” he said.

 

Click here to learn more about how Co-op Energy Solutions programs can work for your business, or call NHEC Member Solutions at 800-698-2007.

PLYMOUTH – Members of the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NHEC) interested in being considered for nomination to the Board of Directors should submit their material to the Nominating Committee by noon on February 15, 2013. More information is available on NHEC’s web site at www.nhec.coop. 

 

“The Co-op seeks highly qualified members with diverse personal, professional and geographical backgrounds, as well as broad education and experience,” says Fred Anderson, NHEC President/CEO. “As a member-owned, non-profit organization, serving on the Board of Directors is one of the ways members have a direct impact on how this democratically controlled organization is run. It is an important and rewarding job.”

 

Board members are elected to three-year terms. Four of the 11 seats are up for election this year. Election ballots will be mailed to all members in May. Winners will be seated at the Annual Meeting of Members, Tuesday, June 11, 2013. 

 

The Nominating Committee meets numerous times to review the applications and interview candidates for the Board of Directors. After completing the process, they nominate a slate of candidates to be included on the ballot. The candidates selected will be identified on the ballot as having been nominated by the Nominating Committee. 

 

If you are interested in applying, contact Sharon Yeaton at 603-536-8801 or yeatons@nhec.com for a candidate packet.   

This month’s Energy Expert is Phil LaMoreaux. Phil is the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program Administrator at NHEC.

 

Q: I made a New Year’s resolution to reduce my home energy usage by 10% in 2013. Is this possible and how can I do it without spending a lot of money?

 

A: It’s definitely possible and it probably costs less than you think.

 

Anyone looking to save energy at home should start with the easy stuff, or low-hanging fruit, as we like to say.

 

LIGHTING: If you still have those old incandescent light bulbs in your home, do yourself a favor and replace them with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) or LED lights. CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last seven times longer. Each incandescent bulb you replace with a CFL will save you about $6 per year.

 

PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS: A programmable thermostat will allow you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature when you are at home and active and a more efficient temperature when you are away or asleep. Setting your thermostat back 10 – 15 degrees for 8 hours per day can save you at least 10% on your home heating costs.

 

APPLIANCES: The efficiency of a particular appliance and how often you use it will determine what kind of savings you can realize in this area. Typically, the energy savings associated with replacing appliances is small compared to the overall cost of the appliance, so it only makes sense to replace them at the end of their useful life. This is a great opportunity to upgrade to an ENERGY STAR appliance with better efficiency. ENERGY STAR appliances use 15 – 30% less energy. Also, the way you use your appliances can affect how much energy you use. Try to follow simple tips like using the microwave to reheat smaller portions, using the right size stove burner, using the air dry option on your dishwasher and not over-drying your clothes.

 

ELECTRONICS:

Use power strips to turn off "vampire" power when not in use. Unplug battery chargers or power adaptors when not in use or when equipment is fully charged. Use power management features on computer, monitors, printers and fax machines.

 

ENERGY AUDITS:

Homeowners who are willing to invest a little more on energy efficiency can achieve home energy savings well beyond 10%. Your home may be eligible for an energy audit through NHEC’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. Participants receive a comprehensive energy audit and a list of recommended efficiency measures like air sealing, additional insulation and lighting upgrades, the cost of which can be offset by incentives up to $4,000 from your Co-op. More information about this program can be found at www.NHEC.coop or by calling 1-800-698-2007.