Renewable energy is a smart business strategy

As energy demand climbs in New Hampshire, business leaders are weighing the role of solar in its long-term strategy. Despite shifting policies and regulatory headwinds, behind-the-meter solar remains one of the most cost-effective and quickly deployable solutions to control energy expenses. Our panelists explore the state of solar, legislative impacts and how companies can still seize renewable opportunities.

Panelists:

• Kevin Davis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Norwich Solar, com
• David Pickens, Director of NG Sales, Sprague Energy, com

Kevin Davis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Norwich Solar

What do recent legislative changes mean for behind-the-meter solar?

For business leaders in New Hampshire, behind-the-meter solar remains a powerful tool in responding to both growing energy demand and long-term cost stability, even in the face of recent legislative challenges. While federal and state-level changes have created headwinds for renewable energy projects, particularly through shifting tariffs and evolving tax credit rules, the fundamental market drivers remain unchanged. Solar energy continues to be the fastest to deploy and the most cost-effective source of new electricity generation available today. That fact becomes even more compelling as the state experiences increased demand from data centers, electrification and population growth.

How can Norwich Technologies help companies that still want the benefits of solar? 

Norwich Technologies, an independent Vermont-based company founded in 2011 and operating throughout northern New England, including New Hampshire, has transitioned from residential to community- and utility-scale solar over the past decade. We are now employing 45 full-time professionals. Our team has successfully developed and commissioned nearly 50 distributed energy projects in just the last three years, demonstrating that sustained progress is not only possible but expected, regardless of policy uncertainty.

The post-Inflation Reduction Act boom sparked a wave of solar development, and we’ve been planning proactively for the 2026–28 window. With market conditions now in flux, we’re taking strategic steps to “safe harbor” projects, initiating construction on qualifying systems to ensure they meet federal guidelines for existing incentive timelines. This isn’t new territory for us. Having navigated previous regulatory shifts, our vertically integrated model gives us the agility to respond quickly and effectively.

NT operates with specialized yet interdependent divisions — Breakaway Renewables for development and finance, Norwich Solar for EPC (engineering, procurement and construction), and RunTime Solar for long-term operations and maintenance. This structure enables us to maintain strong pipelines while also building reliable long-term revenue streams for our partners and clients.

What is the future of solar for New Hampshire businesses?

For New Hampshire businesses, the message is clear: The solar sector is evolving, not retreating. Even as uncertainty persists, the opportunity to lock in low-cost, locally generated power is real and growing. With trusted partners and resilient planning, solar energy can continue to be a cornerstone of smart business strategy and a powerful force for energy independence in the Granite State.

David Pickens, Director of NG Sales, Sprague Energy

Why are electricity supply rates in New England higher than in many other states?

Electricity costs generally fall into two categories: delivery costs and commodity costs. Delivery costs are the expenses of maintaining and upgrading the transmission and distribution system that brings power to your business. Commodity costs are the costs of procuring or generating the electricity itself.

In New England, both sides of the equation can add upward pressure on prices. On the delivery side, transmission constraints and seasonal demand swings — particularly winter natural gas pipeline constraints, since natural gas fuels a sizable portion of New England’s electricity — can contribute to higher prices during certain periods. On the energy commodity side, public policy requirements, such as renewable portfolio standards requiring an increasing share of energy generated by renewable energy sources, and other decarbonization initiatives, also influence costs.

Taken together, these regional and policy dynamics help explain why electricity rates in New England often trend higher than in many other parts of the country.

How do grid demands factor into the cost of energy, and what should New Hampshire businesses be paying attention to?

The price of electricity isn’t just about how much is consumed; it’s also about when it is consumed. An energy bill is typically made up of both energy charges and demand charges. During peak periods, those demand charges can increase, and businesses that use the most energy at those times may see a greater impact on their costs.

Understanding these dynamics can help companies identify opportunities to reduce exposure, whether by lowering demand during peak periods, improving efficiency, or exploring contract structures and energy management strategies that better align with their usage patterns.

With electricity rates in New Hampshire rising sharply this summer, what can businesses do right now to protect themselves from these increases?

Businesses are not locked into their utility’s default service rates. In New Hampshire’s deregulated energy market, companies have the ability to choose their energy supplier. By reviewing supplier options, businesses can take greater control of their costs instead of being fully exposed to rate hikes.

What does Sprague offer and how would those services benefit commercial customers?

Sprague offers customized energy solutions across natural gas, electricity, refined products, solar, and materials handling. In New Hampshire’s deregulated market, businesses can choose their energy supplier, and we work closely with our customers to build a strategy that fits their goals, whether that means gaining budget certainty, managing costs or sourcing electricity from suppliers who generate power through renewable resources.

Energy decisions often feel overwhelming. How can businesses cut through the complexity?

Energy markets are complex, and every decision about supply has ripple effects on cost, risk and sustainability. That’s why having an experienced advisor matters. With more than 155 years of energy expertise, Sprague helps businesses see the system clearly — evaluating supplier options, renewable mixes and contract structures — so businesses can make informed choices with confidence.

What should business leaders keep in mind as they prepare for the future of energy in New Hampshire?

The most important thing is flexibility. Rates will continue to change as policies, supply dynamics and grid pressures evolve. Businesses that stay passive will always be reactive. Those who actively choose their suppliers, review their contracts, and align their supply with their business goals will be best positioned to manage costs and reduce uncertainty. Sprague’s role is to guide that process and make sure businesses have the right strategy in place. If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to us at spragueenergy.com/nhbr.