Overview of New Hampshire Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
New Hampshire’s clean energy policy is anchored by the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), established under RSA 362-F. The RPS requires electricity providers to source an increasing percentage of their power from renewable resources, reaching a target of 25.2% by 2025. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) serve as the primary market-based mechanism to track and verify compliance with these statutory mandates.
What is a REC?
One REC represents the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity—or an equivalent amount of useful thermal energy—generated from a qualified renewable source. When a renewable energy system generates power, it creates electricity and RECs. These certificates can be sold separately from the physical electricity, providing a vital secondary revenue stream for renewable energy producers, including residential and commercial solar installations.
New Hampshire RPS Classes
The state classifies renewable energy resources into four distinct categories to ensure a diverse and sustainable energy mix:
* Class I (New Renewable Energy): Includes wind, solar, small hydro, methane, biomass, hydrogen, and ocean energy projects that began operation after January 1, 2006. Thermal sources like solar thermal and geothermal are also eligible.
* Class II (Solar): Specifically for solar electric generation that began operation after January 1, 2006.
* Class III (Existing Biomass & Methane): Supports older facilities (pre-2006) of 25 MW or less.
* Class IV (Existing Small Hydro): Focuses on small, pre-2006 hydroelectric facilities up to 5 MW.
Compliance and the Renewable Energy Fund
Electricity providers must either procure enough RECs to meet their annual obligations or make an Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) into the state’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF). These funds, managed by the New Hampshire Department of Energy, are then reinvested into state programs, such as residential and commercial rebates for solar, biomass, and other clean energy technologies.
How to Participate
If you own a renewable energy system, you may be eligible to generate and sell RECs. Participation typically involves:
Local Resources and Contact Information
For assistance with REC applications, eligibility inquiries, or to find registered aggregators, utilize these official state resources:
* NH Department of Energy (Sustainable Energy Division):
* Address: 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 10, Concord, NH 03301
* Phone: (603) 271-3670
* Email: recapplicationgroup@energy.nh.gov
* Website: energy.nh.gov
* General Information:
* NH Renewable Energy Fund Annual Reports
* NEPOOL GIS
By leveraging the REC market, New Hampshire residents and businesses directly contribute to the state’s transition toward a more sustainable and independent energy future, helping to offset the state’s historical reliance on imported fossil fuels.