Increase Renewable Energy and Low-CO2-Emitting Thermal Energy Systems (RCI Action 3.1)

Create an incentive program to promote the expanded use of renewable and low-CO2-emitting thermal energy systems to reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. In New Hampshire, the energy used for space heating, hot water, and process conditioning makes up about one-third of total energy consumption. This proposal would provide incentives and attractive financing for the use of cost-effective, renewable energy resources and high-efficiency/low-CO2-emitting thermal systems. The incentive levels and financing would be directly tied to the magnitude of the efficiency improvements and energy savings. Other considerations would include the potential of particular new systems for market transformation and peak demand reduction.