Forest Society Blog - News & Features

NH's Electricity Woes Cause PSNH to Negotiate

January 5, 2015

State Sen. Jeb Bradley and PSNH joined forces on Dec. 26 and filed a petition with the Public Utilities Commission, asking regulators to suspend two regulatory proceedings regarding the future of PSNH power plants and the cost of air quality controls (the so-called scrubber) at the Merrimack Station coal-fired plant in Bow.

A Raid on Dedicated Funds

December 30, 2014

There has been some controversy in recent years about the “raiding” of dedicated funds to assist in balancing the state budget — accomplished by transferring those funds or fund surpluses to the General Fund for general state expenses.

NHPR: Wood Pellets Swift Rise Tests Supply Chain

December 29, 2014

The number of homes in New Hampshire using wood for heat has more than doubled over the last decade, from 3.8 percent in 2005 to 8.6 percent in 2013. Much of that increase comes from wood pellets. Pellets have advantages over cord-wood – they are less work and burn more cleanly – and are cheaper than fuel oil or propane. But the fuel’s rapid growth has meant the pellet industry has earned a few black-eyes from the occasional shortage, and manufacturers and retailers are struggling to figure out how to smooth out their supply chain.