Bill Darcy: Out-of-state groups promoting NHEC candidates: Why?

To The Daily Sun,

In her May 20 letter, Laurel Boivin says she agrees with the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative’s focus on “affordability, reliability, and thoughtful long term planning.” What she does not say is what she would actually change. She also writes that “the role of a board member is not to push ideology.” I agree completely — but the groups supporting her campaign seem to have a very different approach.

For the first time in NHEC history, a Boulder, Colorado–based climate activist organization is bankrolling expensive full-color mailers, text campaigns, free drink events, and websites promoting the election of Ms. Boivin, Mr. Brad Harkavy, and Mr. Tom Randell. A Plymouth climate group is also involved. Their spending has made this the most expensive election our cooperative has ever seen.

This raises an obvious question: What exactly do these outside groups want? It can’t be simply “more renewable energy.” NHEC already leads all New Hampshire utilities in renewable commitments — offering 50% and 100% renewable rate options, securing more direct contracts with wind and solar developers than any other utility in the state, and building a major NHEC owned solar and battery project in Moultonborough.

So if the challengers and their activist supporters aren’t pushing for more solar and wind, regardless of cost, what are they pushing for?

The incumbent directors have been clear: We support clean, local energy, but not at the expense of the cooperative’s core mission — affordable, reliable service for all members, not just the priorities of well-funded special interest groups.

Bill Darcy

Benton