KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) City Planner Mari Brunner joined Dan Mitchell on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio Wednesday to discuss changes coming to Keene Community Power, the city’s electricity aggregation program, as it enters a new two-year contract period beginning December 2025.

Brunner said the program will continue to offer four electricity supply options, but the city’s default plan will now be the “Keene 50” product—providing 50 percent renewable energy compared to the current standard of roughly 35 percent. The rate for that standard option will rise slightly, from 11.47 cents to 12.1 cents per kilowatt-hour.

“This increase reflects the higher renewable energy content,” Brunner said, noting that residents who prefer lower-cost options can still choose the Keene Basic rate of 11.22 cents per kilowatt-hour, which includes only the state minimum renewable requirement. Other choices include Keene 10 at 11.58 cents for 10 percent additional renewable energy and Keene 100, offering 100 percent renewable energy at 13.89 cents per kilowatt-hour—a slight decrease from the previous rate.

Residents currently enrolled in the program will remain on the standard plan unless they actively choose another. Those wishing to switch plans can do so online at keenecommunitypower.com or by contacting the city or the program’s supplier, Direct Energy.

Brunner emphasized that customers who opted out previously will remain opted out and will not be automatically re-enrolled—unless they move or open a new Eversource account, which would be treated as a new address. To permanently prevent enrollment in any third-party program, customers can ask Eversource to place a block on their account, she said.

Keene Community Power, launched in 2023, has seen about 80 percent of eligible customers remain in the program, with most staying on the standard option. Roughly 5 percent chose Keene Basic, and 4 percent opted for Keene 100, Brunner estimated.

Neighboring towns Marlborough and Swanzey also participate in community power through Direct Energy, though their standard offerings will remain at 10 percent additional renewable energy and lower rates.

Brunner recommended residents make any changes soon, as updates can take one to three billing cycles to appear on statements.

In closing, she also encouraged residents to attend the NH Saves “Button Up” workshop hosted by the Keene Clean Energy Team Wednesday evening, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Keene Parks and Recreation Center at 312 Washington St., which offers tips and incentives to make homes more energy efficient.

For more information on options, rates, or enrollment, visit keenecommunitypower.com or call Direct Energy at 866-968-8065.

Listen to the full interview: