12/22/11
Web Site Development Project

The Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) web site is an important resource, providing key information and links to Energy and Planning Programs, Data, Events and Opportunities. It serves a diverse population in our state and beyond, including businesses and residents, energy innovators and planners, governments and policy-makers at the local, regional and federal levels.

The OEP web site is currently in the process of being improved. If you are already a site user or would like to be, we invite you to join in our Web Site Development Project by completing this Survey by January 6, 2012. Your input is important and our goal for the new web site is to provide you with an accessible, relevant tool which keeps you informed and connected.

If you would like to participate in a beta-testing group once the new web site is developed, please contact Susan Thorne at susan.thorne@nh.gov.

Please take a few minutes to answer the survey questions. Your feedback counts and it’s confidential.

Thank you!

Take The Survey

CONCORD – Increased federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will allow the state to help families and seniors currently on the waiting list pay their home heating bills this winter.

Initial federal funding cuts forced the state to limit immediate eligibility to families and seniors making less than 125 percent of the federal poverty level.  The increased funding will allow the program to cover people up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level – although there is still the potential for a waiting list later in the season.

“We are pleased that the importance of this program was recognized and additional funding was authorized.  These continue to be challenging times for many families due to the unstable economy, coupled with high fuel oil prices, so the additional funding was very much needed,” said Joanne Morin, director of the state Office of Energy and Planning.”  “This increased federal funding will allow us to help thousands more New Hampshire families and seniors stay warm this winter.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initially allotted $14.7 million in LIHEAP funding for New Hampshire.  Recent congressional action increased the funding to approximately $26 million, which is still about $9 million less than $34 million New Hampshire received last year.

“We must remember that even though funding was increased over our initial allotment, New Hampshire is still receiving less LIHEAP aid than last year at a time when demand is increasing,” said Joanne Morin.

The Office of Energy and Planning will monitor the program to ensure monies are available for emergencies as required by law, and may be forced to again start a waiting list later in the season to ensure that adequate resources remain to address emergencies.

If you have any questions about your benefits or wish to see if you are eligible for heating assistance, please call your local Community Action Agency.

CONCORD - Community Action Agencies will begin releasing Fuel Assistance Program benefits to New Hampshire families this week, targeting the limited dollars to those families in the lowest income brackets with the most difficulty in paying their fuel bills.

"With a 50 percent cut in federal funding, there are no easy choices," said Joanne Morin, director of the state Office of Energy and Planning. "We looked at a number of options for stretching these dollars, and allocating them fairly."

"In order to protect the health and safety of New Hampshire citizens, we will target funding to families most vulnerable to being left out in the cold," Morin said. "We will also continue to push President Obama and Congress to adequately fund heating assistance for struggling families."

The federal government has cut funding for the Low Income Home Heating Program (LIHEAP) also known as the Fuel Assistance Program, nearly in half. Last year, New Hampshire received $34 million. This year, New Hampshire has only received $14.7 million.

In light of that significant reduction, the Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) is instructing the Community Action Agencies to release benefits first to those households below 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Those households between 125 percent and 200 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines will be placed on a waiting list pending further federal funding. All households up to the 200 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines will be eligible for emergency benefits if they are in a situation where they have no heat.

This program modification will require changes to the software that issues letters to fuel vendors. While these changes will be made as quickly as possible, it is likely that fuel vendors will not receive official notifications until next week. Going forward, the Office of Energy and Planning will monitor the program to ensure monies are available for emergencies as required by law, and may be forced to start a waiting list at a future date in order to ensure that adequate resources remain to address emergencies.

If you have any questions about your benefits, please call your local Community Action Agency.

10/06/11
Restoration of Involuntarily Merged Lots (also see Involuntary Merger in the A-Z subject Listing)

In 2011, the legislature created a process by which an owner could petition the municipality to restore merged lots to their separate and distinct condition. [Chapter 206 (HB 316), Effective July 24, 2011.]

RSA 674:39-aa - Restoration of Involuntarily Merged Lots.

• Lots involuntarily merged by a municipality (for zoning, assessing, or taxation purposes) prior to Sept. 18, 2010, shall be restored to their pre-merger status at the request of the owner, provided:
  • Request is made prior to Dec. 31, 2016; and
  • No owner in chain of title voluntarily merged the lots; all subsequent owners estopped from requesting restoration. The municipality shall have the burden of proof to show that any previous owner voluntarily merged his or her lots.
• Requests for "un-merger" to be made to the local governing body, whose decisions may be appealed pursuant to RSA 676
• Municipalities may adopt more liberal ordinances
• No later than January 1, 2012, municipalities must post notice in a public place that lots may be restored and publish notice in the annual reports for 2011-2015.

From "Land Use Law Update", Attorney Christopher L. Boldt, Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC and Attorney Benjamin D. Frost, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, NHMA law lecture #3, Fall 2011

Tell us what you think are the outdoor recreation needs, challenges and opportunities in the state and in your local community.

NH Listens invites you to participate in NH Listens: Conversations on Outdoor Recreation to be held throughout the state.

NH Listens will be holding listening sessions on Wednesday, October 5, 2011, from 5:30 pm–8:30 pm in Berlin, Conway, Portsmouth, West Lebanon, Manchester and Keene, with an additional session in Laconia on October 6, 2011. They will provide an opportunity for citizens to gather to share their thoughts on the challenges, opportunities, issues, and needs relating to local and state outdoor recreation. Special emphasis will be placed on hearing citizen’s views about unmet needs and innovative approaches to meeting those needs. NH Listens would especially like to hear from those with limited use of outdoor recreation resources for reasons of access, age, income, or knowledge. This information will be used to develop priorities for the NH Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan currently under revision.

Sites will be open at 5:00pm and a light dinner will be provided. All sites are accessible for persons with disabilities.

Registration is required: http://www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu/nhlistens/outdoor-rec-2011.html.

October 5, 2011, 5:30–8:30 pm:

• North Country: Berlin—White Mountains Community College
• Mt. Washington Valley: Conway—Conway Library
• Seacoast: Portsmouth—Portsmouth Library
• Merrimack Valley: Manchester—Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester
• Lake Sunapee Region: West Lebanon—Kilton Public Library
• Monadnock Region: Keene—Keene Recreation Department

October 6, 2011, 5:30–8:30 pm:

• Lakes Region: Laconia—Laconia Senior Center

Additional information:

• NH Listens Flyer
• Community Leader Invitation Letter
  

Find out more about renewable energy rebate programs on the PUC Sustainable Energy website.

We regret this decision but because of staffing issues and other factors, we will be unable to organize and present the fall conference. We urge land use board members, and especially new members, to view the information available on our website, www.nh.gov/oep, and particularly the planning board and zoning board of adjustment handbooks. We also suggest board members take advantage of the training materials on the New Hampshire Citizen Planner website, http://extension.unh.edu/cp/ and any training opportunities from your regional planning commission.

We thank everyone for their continued support and participation in conferences and look forward to future events.

7/18/11
NH EnergySmart Schools Program
Did you know that the average New Hampshire school spends an annual $205 per student on energy?

Are YOUR schools' energy costs higher, or lower?

NH EnergySmart Schools Program, a FREE energy assessment for NH's public and private schools, can answer that question to help school boards and officials make informed decisions. more...

06/10/11
Planning for Wireless Telecommunications Technical BulletinThe OEP technical bulletin, Planning for Wireless Telecommunications (Spring 2007) is no longer available as a hard copy. That technical bulletin was updated in May 2011, and is now offered as a series of web pages available at http://www.nh.gov/oep/resourcelibrary/technical_bulletins/pwt/index.htm. The May 2011 edition includes the new "shot clock" ruling by the FCC and a number of other updates. more...

Worried about high fuel prices this fall?

Wondering where to start with home energy projects?

The latest tool from MYENERGYPLAN.NET and YOUR neighbors can help.

NOW AVAILABLE "Your online Tour Guide of sustainable home energy projects in New Hampshire."

The latest resource to be released on MYENERGYPLAN.NET can help you learn from others by locating homes in your local area that use energy efficiently or have renewable energy systems in place.

• Search homes in the Green Homes Tourist by
  • geographic location
  • a list of energy features (such as solar PV or geothermal)
  • or energy ratings (such as LEED or ENERGY STAR certified)
• Take a "Virtual Tour" of homes
  • learn more about the energy improvements made, costs, incentive programs utilized, and lessons learned
  • see photographs and videos of key energy systems, and learn the best ways to implement YOUR project
• If the homeowner is amenable, face-to-face tours (site visits) can be arranged
• Share YOUR home's energy efficiency or renewable energy projects - small or large-- your energy work matters.
• Let the Green Homes Tourist be your energy guide!

Visit myenergyplan.net

Deadline for Application May 13, 2011

USDA Rural Development, in conjunction with the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development, has released details of "Stronger Economies Together" (SET), a new program that provides strategic planning and other technical assistance to bolster projects in multi-county areas in rural Vermont and New Hampshire. SET awardees will receive training and technical assistance tailored to their projects in order to achieve their community economic development goals. The intent of the program is to foster regional collaboration. Successful recipients will present projects that will have an impact on at least three counties. The goal is to assist groups or organizations that wish to capitalize on the strengths of their region and develop ways to enhance its quality of life.

SET Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must submit project concepts that have a multi-county impact (three or more counties) in Vermont or New Hampshire (or in conjunction with counties in neighboring states).
• The average rural population must be 51% or more of the region’s total population based on Census data or other sufficient data or documentation; or 75% of their land area is located in rural areas of that region based on Census data or other sufficient data or documentation.
• Further details about eligibility are included at the end of the application form.
• Applications are available at Rural Development’s web site: http://srdc.msstate.edu/set/phase2.html
• A complete application must be received electronically by May 13, 2011 (11:59 pm Eastern). Submit completed applications to: gary.beem@vt.usda.gov. You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt of your application within 36 hours.
• There is no application fee, but chosen applicants should be prepared to supply some minor logistical support.

The Stronger Economies Together program began one year ago in eight states and is now available in an additional 11states including Vermont and New Hampshire. Since it began, 22 regions have received technical assistance to accomplish their regional projects.

See the SET Program Fact Sheet.

Contact: Gary Beem, Rural Development Coordinator
USDA RD
gary.beem@vt.usda.gov
802-828-6053

3/23/11
2010 Census results for Municipalities
Press Release from New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning
March 23, 2011

The Census Bureau has released the 2010 census numbers for the state’s cities and towns. The numbers show some continuing trends, but also some deviation from predicted trends.

At the county level, the numbers show that Hillsborough continues to be the fastest growing on a numerical basis, a status it has held since the 1960s. The county grew by about 20,000 during the past decade, less than half of its growth in the 1990s. The county holds about a third of the state’s population, with over 400,000 residents. Adding two more counties, Merrimack and Rockingham, accounts for almost 65% of the state total. more...

3/14/11
Energy Technical Assistance and Planning for New Hampshire Communities
New Hampshire Town and City, February 2011

Is your town hall drafty? Do your employees complain that parts of the buildings are freezing and others sweltering? Are your municipal energy bills too high? Do you feel stuck knowing that you need to make energy improvements, but not knowing where to start? Making progress on solving these problems can take a back seat to more pressing municipal issues. But, given the challenging economy, now is the time to find ways to reduce your costs by addressing energy efficiency. more...

3/11/11
Renewable Energy: A Primer for Municipal Leaders
New Hampshire Town and City, February 2011

There's certainly a lot of "buzz" today about renewable energy. It's a topic that's on the minds of many municipal officials as they seek to contain and reduce ever-rising utility costs. The fact that we, as a region, pay more for electricity than any other region in the United States is a harsh reality every New England government center must face. And it seems the slightest hint of turmoil in the Middle East, or the threat of a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, is enough to send the price of fuel-the price of energy-skyrocketing. more...

2/9/11
EPA Offers Proven Solutions to Support Sustainable Community Goals

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the formation of Sustainable Communities Building Blocks, a program designed to help interested communities adopt sustainable planning methods. Sustainable planning helps safeguard the environment and spur economic development while also improving Americans’ health. Interested communities are invited to apply to receive technical assistance during a day-long session that will help them achieve their sustainable planning goals. The application period opens on February 3 and ends on February 23, 2011.

"We’re pleased to be part of this program to help communities build vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where families want to live and businesses want to invest and grow," EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe said. "Through this program, we’ll walk communities through the process of making smart, cost-effective investments by helping them navigate existing tools vital to securing a lasting foundation for prosperity."

EPA will work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to select 20 participating communities through a competitive process. During the day-long session, participants will explore proven sustainability tools, including zoning code reviews, walkability assessments, parking policy analysis, climate action planning, and commuter benefits. Each community will select a specific tool to focus on and also learn about general smart growth development strategies.

Sustainable Communities Building Blocks is being coordinated through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, a joint effort between the EPA, HUD, and DOT to coordinate federal actions on housing, transportation, and environmental protection. This interagency collaboration achieves efficient federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services that meet multiple economic, environmental, and community
objectives.

1/28/11
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program review forum

New Hampshire’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) law requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to conduct a review of the RPS program beginning in January 2011 and to make a report of its findings to the Legislature by November 1, 2011. [RSA 362-F:5] The review process is now under way and will include input from interested organizations and individuals.

To that end, the PUC will hold a forum for interested parties on February 14, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. in Hearing Room A. At that time PUC staff will present background information on the subject areas of the RPS review as enumerated in RSA 362-F:5, and will outline and take comment on a process for additional stakeholder input regarding these subject areas over the following several months.

There is no need to pre-register for the forum on February 14; any and all interested parties are invited to attend.

By way of background, below please find the text of the RSA 362-F:5.

362-F:5 Commission Review and Report. – Commencing in January 2011, 2018, and 2025 the commission shall conduct a review of the class requirements in RSA 362-F:3 and other aspects of the electric renewable portfolio standard program established by this chapter. Thereafter, the commission shall make a report of its findings to the general court by November 1, 2011, 2018, and 2025, respectively, including any recommendations for changes to the class requirements or other aspects of the electric renewable portfolio standard program. The commission shall review, in light of the purposes of this chapter and with due consideration of the importance of stable long-term policies:

I. The adequacy or potential adequacy of sources to meet the class requirements of RSA 362-F:3;
II. The class requirements of all sources in light of existing and expected market conditions;
III. The potential for addition of a thermal energy component to the electric renewable portfolio standard;
IV. Increasing the class requirements relative to classes I and II beyond 2025;
V. The possible introduction of any new classes such as an energy efficiency class or the consolidation of existing ones;
VI. The timeframe and manner in which new renewable class I and II sources might transition to and be treated as existing renewable sources and if appropriate, how corresponding portfolio standards of new and existing sources might be adjusted;
VII. The experience with and an evaluation of the benefits and risks of using multi-year purchase agreements for certificates, along with purchased power, relative to meeting the purposes and goals of this chapter at the least cost to consumers and in consideration of the restructuring policy principles of RSA 374-F:3; and
VIII. Alternative methods for renewable portfolio standard compliance, such as competitive procurement through a centralized entity on behalf of all consumers in all areas of the state.

The legislative commission to study the issues relating to stormwater was established in 2008. Over the course of two years, the 20-member stakeholder commission researched stormwater as it relates to water quality, water supply, flooding, drought hazards, climate change and land use change. They also studied existing federal, state and local stormwater regulations, the adequacy of conventional stormwater management practices, and options for sustainable funding. The work of the commission is documented in its final report, which was submitted to the legislature in early November 2010. In addition to a discussion of their findings, the report details a set of recommendations that the commission believes, if implemented, will improve stormwater management in the state and reduce the negative impacts of stormwater on New Hampshire’s water resources.

Recommendations of the Commission include amending state law to:

• Define the term "stormwater"
• Clarify that all property owners are responsible for stormwater originating from their property
• Create a statewide, watershed-based, stormwater utility program with local options that could be phased in over a period of years
• Clearly enable and require municipalities to regulate stormwater within their boundaries

The commission recommendations are discussed in greater detail in the final report.

(Environmental News , NH Department of Environmental Services, January-February 2011)

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