KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s Community Power Program is gearing up for its next bidding process as the current contract, which began in June 2023, is set to expire in December 2025. The program, overseen by the city’s senior planner, Mari Brunner, pools the electricity needs of residents and businesses to secure competitive rates. Brunner spoke to Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio last week about the program.

Participants are automatically enrolled but may opt out or choose from alternative rate options.

At a recent city meeting, the Energy and Climate Committee proposed modifications to the program, including reducing the number of rate options and implementing a small “adder fee” of about 0.1 cents per kilowatt hour. This fee would be used to create a discretionary fund aimed at helping residents and businesses adopt energy-saving measures. Currently, the program offers various renewable energy plans, but participation in the Keene 50 percent green option has been low, with only 50 accounts opting in.

The upcoming bid process may take place earlier than initially expected, potentially occurring in the spring of 2025. The city manager holds the authority to accept or reject bids, and due to market volatility, decisions will need to be made quickly.

Meanwhile, FEMA is in the process of updating its flood insurance rate maps for Cheshire County, including Keene, Brunner told Mitchell.

These changes could impact local property owners, potentially placing more properties in designated flood hazard areas. Residents are encouraged to review the new maps and consider filing appeals if necessary. The process requires technical assessments and may take time, but property owners are advised to act promptly to mitigate any financial or regulatory impact.

The Keene City Council will review the proposed changes to the Community Power Program and discuss the FEMA flood map updates at its next meeting on Tuesday at 8:10 p.m.

Listen to the full interview with Brunner: