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Introducing the EarthSmart Green Rate

PSNH Gives Customers the Opportunity to Support Renewable Energy 

Supporting renewable energy is now easier than ever, with the announcement of Public Service of New Hampshire's new EarthSmart Green Rate. Starting May 1, PSNH's customers may sign up online for the Green Rate, allowing them to support renewable energy projects based on a percentage of their electricity use. 

As a Green Rate member, customers make a monthly contribution that goes toward the development of renewable energy projects in New Hampshire and throughout New England. Depending on the level of membership, PSNH will buy and retire Renewable Energy Certificates equal to 25%, 50%, or 100% of a customer's total monthly energy use. The certificates provide revenue to renewable energy resources and are equivalent to purchasing power directly from them. 

"The Green Rate offers an easy way for customers to directly support renewable energy," said Gary Long, PSNH's president and COO. "It compliments our other environmental initiatives, and I hope customers will join me in signing up." 

After a customer chooses a percentage level, the monthly contribution is calculated based on the Green Rate for the contribution level chosen and the customer's actual monthly energy use and is added to each month's bill. For example, the monthly contribution of a Residential customer -- based on energy use of 500 kilowatt-hours per month -- will be $4.42 at the 25% level and $17.66 at the 100% level. The actual contribution amount will fluctuate month-to-month, just as electricity usage does, and the Green Rate itself will be reconciled at least once each year to reflect the market price of Renewable Energy Certificates.

Customers can change their contribution level each month and can elect to exit the program at any time.  Green Rate contributions will help create a market for renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, it's estimated that the average Green Rate customer will remove 1,600 pounds of CO2 from the environment annually, making the membership impact both immediate and meaningful. 

Interested customers may sign up for the Green Rate at psnh.com/greenrate or by calling a customer service representative at 800-662-7764. Customers who are not taking energy service from PSNH, or who are enrolled in the Electric Assistance Program or Fuel Assistance program are not eligible for the Green Rate program.

Customers can also become a fan of PSNH's EarthSmart Green Rate on Facebook. It's a great way to show your friends that you support renewable energy.