Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01), along with U.S. Senators Hassan (D-NH) and Shaheen (D-NH) announced two awards heading to New Hampshire that total $900,000 through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program.

“As New Hampshire continues to deal with the impacts of climate change and rising energy costs, it’s critical we invest in modernizing our energy grid and infrastructure in the face of these challenges,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I’m pleased to see these resources made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law heading to communities across New Hampshire to improve energy efficiency in our homes, hospitals, and more, lowering costs for Granite Staters and paving the way toward a clean energy future – a win-win.”

“These investments, made possible through the bipartisan infrastructure law, will deliver important cost savings to families in New Hampshire,” said Congressman Pappas. “As this program continues to expand, I encourage communities across our state to compete for these funds and expand access to clean, energy efficient upgrades that will reduce the impact on our environment while lowering energy costs."

“I’m so pleased that the funding I fought to include in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is going to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and homes, which helps Granite Staters save money on heating and cooling costs while supporting local jobs,” said Senator Shaheen. “These types of energy efficiency programs will continue to have huge positive impacts across New Hampshire, and I’m glad that communities like Exeter and small towns like Peterborough and Harrisville are benefiting from this funding.”

“It is clear that to thrive in the 21st century, we must make serious investments in clean energy. That’s why I worked to negotiate and pass into law the bipartisan infrastructure package, which is lowering energy costs and combating climate change,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad that Exeter, Peterborough, and Harrisville are receiving this new federal funding to make energy efficiency upgrades, lower costs for families, and invest in workforce development. I look forward to seeing hw this will make a difference in Granite State communities.”

Exeter is receiving $200,000, which will leverage funding from the NHSaves Weatherization Program to make energy efficiency upgrades and lower bills in 100 low-income households located in manufactured housing parks. Peterborough and Harrisville are receiving a $700,000 award to retrofit 250 buildings to replace fossil-fuel heating systems with cold-climate heat pumps. Of those buildings, 100 are home to low-income residents. The funding will also support workforce development through a collaboration with Lakes Region Community College and the MAXT Makerspace. 

EECBG Program funding meets the unique energy needs in communities that serve more than 250 million Americans across the country. Applicants were evaluated based on their project impact, their plans for community engagement and expected community benefits – particularly for lower-income and energy burdened Americans ­­--- the viability of their plans, and the strength of their team. The EECBG Program has 14 categories of eligible activities that allow grantees to select from a wide variety of clean energy projects and programs that align with their clean energy goals while meeting local needs. The grants included in this cohort of formula and competitive funding recipients will fall into a range of these categories – with significant benefits to the communities they serve.  

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