|
Mar 4, 2010 - Power Fully Restored Following February Wind Storm
PLYMOUTH, NH – Seven days after a storm packing near-hurricane force winds swept over much of the state, power has been restored to all members of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC).
It’s likely that crews will be repairing individual services and making temporary repairs permanent throughout the weekend and NHEC is urging members who may still be without power as of today to call the Outage Reporting Line at 1-800-343-6432.
At the height of the February 25-26 storm, approximately 45,000 members – more than half the Co-op’s membership – were without power. This represents the second largest number of outages ever experienced by NHEC, behind the 2008 Ice Storm that knocked out power to 49,000 members. At the height of this recent storm, more than 300 separate outages were reported in 86 of the 116 towns served by NHEC.
Large sections of the NHEC electrical distribution system sustained damage as a result of falling trees and limbs, especially in the southwestern, southeastern and central parts of the state. Restoration work got underway in these three areas before the wind stopped blowing. Once the majority of outages were restored in the towns surrounding the Co-op’s Sunapee and Plymouth service areas, line crews joined the effort in the company’s Raymond operating district, which was the hardest hit and would be the focal point of the remaining power restoration effort. The towns in that area including Allenstown, Candia, Chester, Deerfield, Epping, Epsom, Lee, Nottingham, Raymond and Sandown experienced system damage that rivaled that of the 2008 Ice Storm.
Preliminary equipment numbers tell the tale of the storm’s scope and damage. Ninety line crews replaced more than 70 broken poles, 80 transformers and 185 cross arms. Trucks delivered 4,700 wire connectors, 650 fuses, 725 insulators, 40,000 feet of primary wire, 12,000 feet of copper ground wire, and 12,000 feet of guy wire to keep up with the demand from the storm-damaged areas. At NHEC’s Plymouth Headquarters, 13,495 calls were received in a seven-day period following the storm. The normal volume for the same time period is about 1,849 calls.
NHEC could not have restored power to its members in this timeframe without help. Answering the call for assistance, 14 electric cooperatives, municipal electric companies and contractors from four states – New York, Vermont, Massachusetts and Michigan - sent personnel and equipment to help the massive restoration effort. Those workers were joined by 26 crews of tree trimmers from four different companies. NHEC’s Board of Directors and employees are grateful for their support and welcome the opportunity to return the favor. Housing and feeding the crew that numbered as many as 175 in the Raymond District alone was a logistical feat. Special thanks to Patty and Scott Biederman, owners of Biederman’s Deli in Plymouth, which prepared about 1,200 box lunches for the crews over the course of the restoration effort. Nearly 500 hotel rooms were required over the week to house the out-of-state crews. Special thanks to the Red Roof Inn of Plymouth, which offered deeply discounted rooms for line workers.
A preliminary cost of the restoration effort has not been tallied yet. NHEC will be gathering that information to submit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for reimbursement in the event that the state is declared eligible for federal disaster relief.
Finally, NHEC wishes to thank its members for their patience. Expressions of support, from a honk and a wave to line workers in the field to the little girl on Lane Road in Chester who handed out Girl Scout cookies to line workers, were especially welcomed by employees as they worked 16-hour shifts to help members recover from the storm’s damage.
Feb 9, 2010 - NHEC Foundation Awards $220,000 in 2009
PLYMOUTH, NH – In a year that saw it surpass the $1 million mark in charitable giving since its inception, the New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC) Foundation awarded more than $220,000 to 39 non-profit groups in 2009.
Founded in 2005, the NHEC Foundation is funded by over 39,000 Co-op members who agree to have their monthly electric bills rounded up to the next dollar with the proceeds benefitting the Foundation.
Grants were made to non-profits across New Hampshire, reflecting NHEC’s broad service territory. Grants were broken out as follows: Community/Economic Development - $23,000; Cultural/Arts - $6,400; Educational - $70,685; Health & Social Service- $116,101; Historic/Preservation - $4,500.
Recipients of some of the largest awards included the New Hampshire Food Bank ($16,888), Society for Protection of NH Forests ($10,000), Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region ($10,000), Whole Village Child Care Center of Plymouth ($7,500), American Red Cross ($5,000 for services provided during 2008 Ice Storm), Pemi Baker Home Health & Hospice ($5,000), New Durham Food Pantry ($5,000 to support building improvements). A complete list of 2009 awards, as well as more information about the NHEC Foundation, is available here.
The NHEC Foundation is the primary source of funding for Project Care, which works in conjunction with social service agencies to assist Co-op members in crisis situations pay their electric bills and avoid disconnection of service. The Foundation also funds the NHEC Chapter of Dollars for Scholars, which last year awarded six $1,500 scholarships to college or college-bound Co-op members.
Feb 1, 2010 - U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen Briefed on NHEC Smart Grid Plans
PLYMOUTH, NH – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) visited the headquarters of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) to learn more about the company’s plans to implement smart grid technologies for which she helped secure funding through federal stimulus funds.
Beginning later this year, NHEC will begin installing the first of what will be a system-wide total of 83,000 “smart meters” across the length and breadth of its service territory. The meters are the backbone of NHEC’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) that will use two-way communications as well as advanced sensors and controls to help reduce members' energy use, improve the efficiency and reliability of the electricity grid, facilitate the connection of distributed generation facilities to the system, and optimize the integration of renewable energy systems.
NHEC’s AMI project will also include a program that is meant to demonstrate the advanced capabilities of smart meters and AMI. Initially, NHEC will replace existing electric meters with new smart meters at 8,000 member homes located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. One thousand demand-response switches will be installed at members’ homes in the demonstration project area. These switches will remotely control devices such as water heaters or thermal storage devices, helping NHEC reduce its members’ peak load, thereby reducing the overall cost of electricity for the entire membership. In addition, 500 in-home displays will be delivered to selected members’ homes, allowing them to understand their energy use patterns, view real-time usage data, historical data and actual costs.
“The potential this offers for choices and the ability of your members to save energy and money is very exciting,” Shaheen said. “I really applaud what you’re doing.”
Shaheen was instrumental in securing federal grants for the project totaling $18.4 million. This total includes a Smart Grid Investment Grant of $15.8 million and a Smart Grid Demonstration Grant of $2.4 million. These grants were awarded by the Department of Energy using funds that are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The grant total will cover approximately 45% of the total project cost, dramatically reducing the expense that will be borne by NHEC’s member-owners.
“ARRA has been one of the largest single sources of funding for energy technologies,” Shaheen noted. “It’s a down payment on what we’ve got to do if we’re going to transition to the new energy economy.”
Given the demand for energy worldwide and the expense of getting new resources to market, NHEC Executive Vice President Ray Gosney acknowledged that electricity costs were likely to continue to rise in the future.
“However,” he said, “this technology will give our members a better handle on how and when they’re using energy. In combination with changes we can make in how our members pay for electricity, it can help offset that increase.”
Jan 28, 2010 - NHEC Now Accepting Applications for 2010 Scholarships
The New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) Chapter of Dollars for Scholars is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 2010 scholarships. In its eighth year, the program will be offering six $1,500 scholarships.
The scholarships are available to high school seniors, students returning to college, and non-traditional students. One scholarship will be reserved for a student entering a vocational or technical institution. All applicants must be a Co-op member, or a legal dependent of a Co-op member. Complete details and applications are available here, or by calling 1-800-698-2007.
Applicants will be judged on work experience, activities and leadership contributions, edcucational/career objectives, overall scholastic achievement; and a personal interview conducted by the Awards Committee.
The deadline for applying is Monday, March 22, 2010 at 4 p.m. All mailed applications must be postmarked by this date. Otherwise, they may be turned in at NHEC headquarters in Plymouth by 4 p.m., March 22, 2010.
The NHEC Chapter of Dollars for Scholars hopes to expand the number and dollar value of scholarships awarded in the future and welcomes tax-deductible donations. For more information about the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative Chapter of Dollars for Scholars or to make a donation, please contact Ann White at (603)536-8701 or at whitea@nhec.com.
Jan 26, 2010 - February 10 Deadline Set for BOD Candidates
PLYMOUTH – Members of the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) interested in being considered for nomination to the Board of Directors should submit their material to the Nominating Committee by noon on February 10, 2010. More information on the Director election process and a candidate questionnaire are available here.
“NHEC seeks broad representation from 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, Thursday, June 10, 2010.
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.
Jan 12, 2010 - Co-op Bell Ringers Raise $3,578
PLYMOUTH, NH – A dozen employees of New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) helped raise $3,578 for the Salvation Army of Laconia.
The employees collected donations totaling $1,789 over just two days outside the Wal Mart store in Plymouth. That amount was matched by the NHEC Foundation, which is supported by NHEC members who agree to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next dollar and contributed to the Foundation.
This is the eighth year NHEC employees and their families have “stood kettle” during the holiday season for the Salvation Army.
Jan 12, 2010 - 'Cut the Carbon' Kits Available at Local Libraries
CONCORD, NH – Energy efficiency help for homeowners is on the way as hundreds of “Cut the Carbon” kits arrive this month in public libraries across New Hampshire.
Provided by NHSaves, the collaborative effort of the state’s four largest electric utilities, the kits feature a Kill A Watt™ energy detector that homeowners can use to assess the efficiency of their appliances and make changes to lower their energy usage.
Each kit includes instructions on the proper use of the Kill A Watt detector, as well as a simple worksheet that allows electricity customers to calculate the energy costs associated with each device in their home. Energy efficiency advice and tips are also included.
Thanks to a partnership with the NH State Library in Concord, kits will be loaned out to residents at no cost from any one of the 235 public libraries across the state. Residents of the 19 communities in New Hampshire that are not presently served by local public libraries will be able to borrow Kill A Watt detectors directly through the NH State Library.
Approved by Governor John Lynch and the Executive Council in August of 2009, the Cut the Carbon energy monitor program is one of the first initiatives to be supported by the state’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) fund.
“Putting energy efficiency and conservation within reach of everyone in the state is the goal of NHSaves,” explained Audrey Simpson of NH Electric Co-op, one of the four state utilities including National Grid, Public Service of New Hampshire and Unitil that comprise NHSaves. “Making these kits available at every public library in the state is a great way to achieve that goal.”
Jack Schelling of the PSNH Conservation Department, says Kill A Watt detectors made available through a similar program in Maine by EfficiencyMainehave quickly become the most popular item checked out of libraries.
“By borrowing one of these meters, you can sample a variety of 120-volt appliances and electronic devices in your home, and find out exactly how much electricity each one is using,” said Schelling. “For example, if you have an older refrigerator, you may discover that the energy you’d save with a newer model would quickly pay for the up-front investment. Then, instead of storing the monitor in your closet, you return it to the library for someone else to use.”
Dec 15, 2009 - Button Up NH Announces Winter Weatherization Workshops
Clean Air-Cool Planet and the New England Carbon Challenge are proud to announce the official launch of Button Up NH, a highly successful home weatherization workshop pioneered in Vermont and now available in New Hampshire.
Button Up NH presenters will conduct nine free home weatherization workshops in regional hubs across the state this winter, including New London, Lebanon, Grafton, Plymouth, Sanbornton, Concord, Rye, Atkinson and Dover.
The Plymouth event will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 6:45pm to 8:30pm at Pease Public Library. The event is sponsored by Cool Air Clean Planet, NH Carbon Challenge, Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative and the Town of Plymouth Energy Committee.
Workshops are conducted by qualified home energy experts who will introduce homeowner-participants to the basics of home energy budgets and the value of home weatherization. Each workshop will include information on how simple household adjustments and modest investments can lead to significant energy savings over the long haul.
Workshop topics will include: residential heat use and loss, the short term benefits of simple do-it-yourself weatherization, the value of a professional home energy audit, the long term benefits of extensive professional energy retrofits, and the technical and financial resources available to make it happen.
Button Up NH workshops are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Garry Dow, Button Up NH Coordinator, at (603) 422-6464, ext. 115 or gdow@cleanair-coolplanet.org.
Oct 30, 2009 - Rate Changes Result in Overall Winter Decrease
The Co-op Board of Directors has approved a number of changes to the rates and charges you pay for electric service. Below is a review of those changes, as well as a discussion of other measures NHEC is taking to meet the economic challenges of the times.
Co-op Power
Effective November 1, 2009, the Co-op Power line item on your bill (the price you pay for our purchases of electricity from generators and wholesale suppliers) decreased 8.2%. This decrease is the result of expected lower energy costs during the upcoming winter period. Wholesale electricity is generally more expensive in winter due to New England’s heavy reliance on natural gas for both electricity and heating fuel. However, the nation enters this winter with a record amount of natural gas available in storage. Strong gas production and weak demand due to mild weather, and the recession are holding gas prices for this winter down. NHEC does not make a profit on the costs of wholesale generation and electricity purchases – we charge our members only what it costs us to purchase power.
Regional Access Charge
Effective November 1, 2009, the Regional Access Charge increased 2.8% for a basic residential member. Some of the costs this charge recovers are set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and cover the Co-op’s share of the cost to build and operate the regional transmission system that gets power from generators to your home or business. Several billion dollars worth of improvements are currently underway on the New England transmission grid, aimed at improving overall reliability of the transmission grid and relieving transmission bottlenecks in locations such as the southern Connecticut and Boston metro areas. Some of the reliability improvements have occurred in New Hampshire as well, aimed at relieving congestion on the system between northern and southern New England.
Member Service Charge
Effective November 1, 2009, the Member Service Charge increased 7% to $21.41 per month. The Member Service Charge is a flat fee that is meant to recover most of the fixed costs to operate our distribution system. Whether you use no energy or 1,000 kilowatt-hours, there is a fixed cost associated with maintaining the poles, wires and meters that provide you with access to electricity. Earlier this summer, NHEC completed a Cost of Service study that showed the average cost to serve one member, without the sales of kilowatt-hours, is $37.25 per month. In order to keep rates as affordable and equitable as possible, NHEC does not seek to recover that entire cost through the Member Service Charge. The Delivery Charge portion of your bill, a per-kilowatt hour charge, is the other charge by which NHEC recovers the cost to provide service.
The Bottom Line
As a result of these changes described above, the typical residential member using 500 kWh per month will see an overall bill decrease of 2.3% effective November 1, 2009.
Cutting Costs
Rate changes alone are not enough to provide for the long-term sustainability of the Co-op during this prolonged period of declining kilowatt-hour sales and growth in new members. The Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to eliminate positions, freeze new hiring, reduce benefits and eliminate programs that are not essential to the core business of the company. These decisions have been made necessary in part by the sluggish economy, but also by unexpected and unprecedented increases in the cost of benefits. Fortunately, NHEC entered these hard times on solid financial footing and, with the changes outlined, can weather this downturn. We all hope for better times but are making the decisions necessary to ensure the Co-op remains viable
Oct 21, 2009 - NHEC Accepting Sealed Bids for Vehicles, Equipment
New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) is preparing to offer for bid, vehicles and equipment that are ready for disposition. This bid offering is being made available to the membership, Co-op employees and retirees with the disposal process and listing of vehicles as follows.
Member Solutions representatives cannot answer questions regarding vehicles and equipment being disposed. All questions will be answered during the two vehicle and equipment viewing dates listed. Bid sheets for submitting bids can be picked up at the viewings. A separate sheet for each vehicle bid must be submitted.
Sealed bids are due by the end of the workday (4:30 p.m.) Thursday, November 12, 2009. Bid openings and awarding of bids will take place Friday, November 13, 2009. Vehicles are sold “As Is” and “Where Is” without warranties of any kind whatsoever. NHEC reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Payment must be made and vehicle(s) removed by Tuesday, November 24, 2009. Payment will only be accepted in the form of cash, certified check, or bank draft. A tentative list of vehicles and equipment for November disposal includes:
(1) 1-Ton 4x4 w/ enclosed utility body
(2) Digger Derricks
(1) 50 ft. Material Handling Bucket Truck
(2) Cargo Vans
(1) Mini Van
(1) ½ ton 4x4 pickup
(1) Sedan
(1) Station wagon
LIST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Viewing dates and times: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bids due: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 4:30 p.m. Bid openings and awards: Friday, November 13, 2009 Vehicle/Equipment removal: No later than November 24, 2009, 4:30 p.m. Vehicle viewing location: NHEC Vehicle Maintenance facility 533 Tenney Mountain Highway Plymouth, NH
*Information on the vehicles and equipment will be provided only at the scheduled viewing dates listed. Please do not contact the Co-op about vehicle and equipment conditions.
|
|
09/08/2009
4th Annual Cooperative Covered Bridge 5K Nets $6,700
|
|
07/02/2009
Watch 2009 Annual Meeting on Youtube
|
|
06/12/2009
Co-op Members Raise $1,000 for Plymouth Senior Meals
|
|
06/10/2009
At 70th Annual Meeting, Co-op Looks Ahead
|
|
05/04/2009
BOD Election Ballots Mailing to Members
|
|
04/20/2009
NHEC Announces Rebates on Renewable Energy Systems
|
|
04/14/2009
'Capital Credits' to Be Listed on April/May Bills
|
|
04/09/2009
'Red Flag' Requirements Help Fight Identity Theft
|
|
03/09/2009
NHEC Lineman Receives Life Saving Award
|
|
01/29/2009
Feb. 11 Deadline to Apply for Nomination to Board
|
|
12/23/2008
NHEC HQ Closed December 26
|
|
12/20/2008
ICE STORM UPDATES
|
|
12/20/2008
Major Repair Work Complete Following Ice Storm
|
|
11/25/2008
Seeking Candidates for BOD, Nominating Committee
|
|
11/17/2008
Co-op Food Bank Challenge Hits $100,000 Goal, Donations Still Accepted
|
|
10/08/2008
Wind Power to Flow Soon Through Co-op Country
|
|
09/02/2008
Co-op Covered Bridge 5K Results
|
|
07/29/2008
Co-op Launches $100,000 Food Bank Challenge
|
|
06/24/2008
Annual Meeting 2008: Renewable Energy Contracts Announced
|
|
06/24/2008
Reals, Incumbents Elected to NHEC Board
|
|
06/09/2008
Annual Meeting Is June 21 at Loon Mountain
|
|
05/30/2008
NHEC Hosts June 3 Town Energy Forum
|
|
05/07/2008
Seasonal Rate Adjustment Effective May 1, 2008
|
|
04/23/2008
Online Outage Map Goes Live
|
|
03/31/2008
Co-op Aims to Reduce Carbon Footprint
|
|
03/25/2008
NHEC Foundation Passes Half-Million Dollar Mark
|
|
03/06/2008
Ski Partnership Wins National Energy Efficiency Award
|
|
01/29/2008
Committee Sets Feb. 15 Deadline for BOD Nominations
|
|
01/16/2008
A New Home for Squam's Ospreys
|
|
12/13/2007
NHEC Wins National Energy Efficiency Award
|
|
11/27/2007
Lighting Project Brings Out the Stars in Waterville Valley
|
|
09/03/2007
Cooperative Covered Bridge 5K Nets $6,000 for Pemi Youth Center
|
|
08/22/2007
NHEC Foundation Awards $46,000 in Grants
|
|
08/22/2007
Co-op Lineman Named 'Huskie Tools Hero'
|
|
08/06/2007
2nd Annual Pemi Youth Cooperative Covered Bridge 5K Set for September 1
|
|
07/30/2007
Co-op's Revolving Loan Fund Is Open for Business
|
|
06/18/2007
Annual Meeting 2007 Focuses on Changing Energy Landscape
|
|
06/18/2007
Four Incumbents Re-Elected to NHEC Board
|
|
05/25/2007
NHEC Joins 25x'25 Renewable Energy Coalition
|
|
05/08/2007
68th Annual Meeting to be held June 12 at Plymouth State University
|
|
04/22/2007
Power Fully Restored Following April Nor'Easter
|
|
04/21/2007
APRIL STORM PICS
|
|
04/16/2007
Four Candidates Nominated for Board of Directors
|
|
03/30/2007
NHEC Honored for Board Development
|
|
02/13/2007
Energy Efficiency Puts NHEC in National Spotlight
|
|
01/18/2007
Wanted: Exceptional High School Juniors for 2007 Youth Tour
|
|
01/15/2007
Now Accepting Applications for 2007 Scholarships
|
|
01/03/2007
NHEC Seeks Board Candidates for Nomination
|
|
01/03/2007
NHEC Foundation Grant Brings History Alive
|
|
11/01/2006
Hard Work, Teamwork, Key to Storm Restoration
|
|
10/25/2006
NHEC Foundation Donates $10,700 to NH Food Bank
|
|
10/04/2006
State Announces New Eligibility Requirements for Electric Assistance Program
|
|
09/07/2006
Miller, Westerling Blaze to Victory at Pemi Youth Cooperative Covered Bridge 5K
|
|
07/20/2006
NHEC Receives Grant for Economic Development Loan Program
|
|
06/28/2006
NHEC and Pemi Youth Center Hosted Cooperative Covered Bridge 5K Road Race
|
|
06/08/2006
Annual Meeting 2006: Another Good Year, but Challenges Lie Ahead
|
|
05/25/2006
Mount Cranmore and NHEC Team Up for Energy Efficiency
|
|
05/18/2006
Former Board Member Wins Aiken Award
|
|
04/27/2006
NHEC Honored for Board Development
|
|
04/27/2006
NHEC Board Member Achieves National Certification
|
|
04/27/2006
Renewable Energy Group Gets Boost From NHEC Foundation
|
|
04/03/2006
NHEC Foundation Completes First Round of Grants
|
|
03/14/2006
NHEC to Launch WildBlue™ Satellite Internet Service
|
|
03/06/2006
NHEC Foundation Makes Wish Come True
|
|
02/28/2006
Candidates Nominated for BOD
|
|
02/21/2006
Storm Recovery Complete
|
|
12/16/2005
Winter Heating Assistance
|
|
12/16/2005
Your Space Heating Solution
|
|
