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Resident urges Kensington to reconsider CPCNH membership after reported losses; energy committee urges caution
Summary
A Kensington resident said CPCNH’s recent rate changes and reported cash shortfalls have cost Kensington residents and urged a warrant article for withdrawal; the town’s energy committee disputed some of those claims and recommended continued monitoring and communication with residents.
At the Aug. 10 Select Board meeting, resident Stephen Greenland urged the board to examine Kensington’s participation in the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) and related CPC & H arrangements, saying public disclosures and rate changes have harmed local customers and that the town should consider placing a withdrawal warrant article on the ballot.
Greenland alleged that reporting showed Kensington-facing losses of $163,561 over a 15‑month period and criticized emergency rate increases enacted in early 2025. "The reporting stops, the 15 month prior details a loss to aggregation participants in this town of $163,561 during the last 15 months," he said, urging the board to exercise fiduciary care.
Members of the Energy Committee and select board pushed back on parts of Greenland’s characterization. Zeke (Energy Committee) told the board energy markets and utility procurement decisions have driven rate volatility statewide and noted that Unitil and other utilities have accrued significant losses that may be recovered over time; he argued exiting CPCNH prematurely could expose residents to other risks. "The energy committee still thinks that it's... the right move to continue ahead," the committee representative said.
The board did not vote to withdraw. Members asked staff and committee representatives to continue tracking rate updates and to circulate documentation so the board and residents can evaluate claims. The board also agreed to give Greenland and committee members time to provide supporting documents and to revisit the topic if warranted.
