On April 17, the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire will host a luncheon where they will present “Relieving the Energy Crisis: Update on New Hampshire Infrastructure Projects.” The presentation will discuss the importance of increasing the state’s energy infrastructure and diversifying its energy portfolio. The luncheon will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Anyone who has been keeping an eye on the energy situation in New Hampshire – and throughout New England – will not be surprised by the focus of the luncheon. These themes are not new, but a failure to implement them successfully has kept them in the news for dozens of months.
As BIA President Jim Roche commented on the effects of not increasing energy diversity or infrastructure, “The bottom line is that New Hampshire businesses, homeowners and other electricity customers have seen dramatic increases in their electricity bills this winter, and it appears we will face the same or worse situation in the coming years.”
The presentation will address the continuing energy crisis by focusing on the three most prominent infrastructure projects in the state that are still pending: Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline project; the Spectra Energy, Eversource, and National Grid Northeast access pipeline project; and Eversource’s Northern Pass project. These projects would lower energy costs for businesses, homeowners, and other electricity customers, as well as be a means of attracting businesses to New Hampshire and retaining those already established in the state.
While these projects have a definite economic upside, they continue to face strong opposition. We continue our strong support of the Northern Pass project, as it will increase energy diversity and strengthen energy infrastructure and system reliability. It is sustainable, green, and economically beneficial to individual customers and businesses, but most importantly, it will create quality, long-term work opportunities for many members of our brotherhood.
As always, we encourage you to speak up and fully support the Northern Pass.