Amid Concerns over New England Energy Supplies this Winter, NH Delegation Calls to Energy Secretary to Expedite Distribution of Federal Resources for NH Residents

The New Hampshire delegation sent a letter to the Department of Energy, urging Secretary Granholm to accelerate the distribution of federal funds and programs under the bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act that can help residents cut energy bills and reduce demand for fossil fuels.

“As we enter into the winter months, we write to highlight specific challenges New Hampshire faces as global events continue to stoke volatility in oil and natural gas markets that in turn, impact home heating costs and electricity prices for our constituents,” the delegation wrote. “We appreciate your ongoing attention to these concerns and encourage the Administration to speed up deployment of resources Congress has provided through the bipartisan infrastructure law and Inflation Reduction Act that can help lower energy costs.”

Additionally, the lawmakers called for the Department to work with federal agencies, industry, fuel suppliers, utilities, grid operators, the State and other stakeholders to ensure the New England region’s energy infrastructure can meet the challenges of any potential severe weather events this winter. The letter requests additional coordination and preparation to use emergency authorities, such as releases from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, should conditions warrant.

“We also urge you to convene stakeholders in our region to plan for potential supply shortages or risks to grid reliability in the event of severe storms or prolonged cold snaps this winter,” continued the delegation. The delegation’s push comes amid concerns over energy supplies to sustain the New England region throughout the winter.

Earlier this month, the delegation announced that New Hampshire would receive $33.9 million in funding from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP).

A copy of the delegation’s letter is available here.