Issues

“Renewable” energy refers to naturally occurring sources of energy that do not become depleted with use. Examples include energy generated from water, wind, and the sun.

Approximately 70 percent of U.S. electricity generation, however, comes from the burning of fossil fuels (i.e., coal, oil and natural gas). Unfortunately, the burning of fossil fuels has devastating effects on the environment.

In June, New Hampshire lawmakers enacted HB873, a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). This is a major step towards reducing threats to the environment such as depletion of the O-zone layer. A shift towards renewable energy will also provide a new market for economic development, and help to eliminate health problems such as asthma.

CRR is working to help New Hampshire lawmakers take the next steps towards a better future for the state’s energy consumers.

Renewable Energy & Alternative Fuels

Check back soon to see other issues that the

Campaign is working on.

Energy Efficiency (EE)

In July 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency. The plan presents policy recommendations for creating sustainable, affordable and effective means of promoting energy efficiency.

Consistent with the recommendations of the plan, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has opened a docket to investigate rate mechanisms, such as revenue decoupling, to promote energy efficiency throughout New Hampshire.

CRR has full intervenor status in this docket and is working with other parties to investigate the effects of revenue decoupling and other EE programs on utility rates in New Hampshire.

Visit our Archives page for materials on

CRR’s involvement in the Energy Efficiency

docket at the Public Utilities Commission

 

Citizens can lower their electric bills, help the environment and save energy every day. Using electricity during off-peak periods (e.g., late at night) can result in lower bills. Using ENERGY STAR appliances can also result in more savings—both in terms of energy and costs.

Nuclear Energy

The Campaign for Ratepayers Rights began during the controversy over the nuclear power plant in Seabrook, New Hampshire. CRR was concerned with the economic impact of the project. Though our mission and scope of interest has broadened over the years, CRR remains conscious of its roots in the issue of nuclear energy.

 

CRR believes that the debate over nuclear energy remains just as important today as it did 25 years ago. Is nuclear power a viable solution to our nation’s energy needs? What are the costs? Are alternative sources of energy safer and less costly? These are questions that citizens should be considering.

 

Last month, CRR hosted a roundtable discussion in Concord, NH, with representatives from BEYOND NUCLEAR, a newly-formed national environmental organization that educates the public about nuclear energy. CRR plans to host more public discussions to stimulate this important debate.

 

For more information on the discussion with BEYOND NUCLEAR,

see the press release here

Renewable Energy & Alternative Fuels

 

Energy Efficiency (EE)

 

Nuclear Energy