Overview

New Hampshire's energy use is rising almost twice as fast as our population-but that's only part of the problem. From the time a power plant burns a ton of coal or splits an atom to the time we turn on the lights, we lose two-thirds of that energy through generation, transmission and distribution. We can't afford to make the problem worse by wasting electricity once it reaches our homes and businesses.

Dirty mix: Over thirty percent of New Hampshire's energy relies on outdated fossil fuel technology. Over fifty-three percent comes from nuclear, with all its public health risks.

Dangerous byproducts: The power plants that supply our energy emit over 5.6 million tons of New Hampshire's soot and global warming pollution.

Risks to key industries: Power plant pollution jeopardizes key industries like tourism, skiing and maple sugaring by changing the climate and threatening forest health.

Energy efficiency will help solve New Hampshire's budget woes and reduce our high energy costs. Burning energy unnecessarily is at odds with New Hampshire's tight budget policies.

Changing the status quo isn't easy, especially when large, polluting industries and other special interests hold a lot of weight in New Hampshire. In addition, manufacturers who make inefficient products need a push to begin making these items responsibly.

We need to modernize our efficiency rules and set standards so that things we all take for granted use less energy. These standards take advantage of existing technologies like those employed in Energy Star products.

Setting minimum efficiency standards is the cheapest, quickest, cleanest way to get us on the smart energy path right now. By 2030, we will save over $346 million -- money back in the pockets of New Hampshire business, residents and schools.