New Hampshire State Public Benefit Funds for Energy Efficiency

In May 2002, the PUC ordered implementation of a 19-month, $3.1 million low-income energy efficiency program, called CORE, beginning June 1. It is funded by 1.8 mills per kWh from the system benefits charge (SBC). The 2005 legislature continued authorization of the SBC through June 2008 with funding of about $1 million annually for low-income programs.

The services provided to qualified low-income customers include insulation, air sealing, new thermostats, electric hot water measures, refrigerator replacement, lighting upgrades, health and safety measures, and a home energy audit and rating (the rating is based on a computer model of the home's relative efficiency).

The CORE programs, administered through the utilities, provided energy efficiency measures to 788 units in 2006. Eligible households (150 percent of the federal poverty level) can receive up to $4,000 in energy efficiency measures and program services.

For more information, see electric utility restructuring.

LEVERAGING

2006: $1.4 million
2005: $953,398
2004: $1.1 million
2003: $1.1 million
2002: $298,519

Page Last Updated: March 28, 2007