John Goodrich: NHEC election ends June 10 — every single vote counts

To The Daily Sun,

I am a director of the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, but I am not up for election this year.

It is important for you to know that the most expensive director election in NHEC history ends on June 10 and what it means for ratepayers.

For the first time, a well-financed out-of-state climate activist organization based in Boulder, Colorado, has poured money into our cooperative election, sponsoring full-color mailers, text messages, and a free-drinks campaign event to elect three outside-backed candidates.

Here is what is at stake financially. NHEC already offers a 100% renewable power option. But the cost difference between standard Co-op Power (which already includes 25% renewables at 11.1 cents/kWh) and the 100% renewable rate (14.3 cents/kWh) is a 28% increase. If the challenger slate's backers succeed in shifting the co-op toward mandated, higher-cost renewables, the monthly bill will increase.

Meanwhile, the incumbent directors, Bill Darcy and Bob MacLeod, have a documented record of protecting people's pocketbook: a 16% reduction in the fixed monthly charge, distribution rate increases below the rate of inflation, despite major equipment cost increases, significant reliability investments to reduce outages, and expanded internet access for rural members.

Keep the cooperative focused on all its members — affordable rates, reliable service, local roots. Vote for Bill Darcy, Bob MacLeod, and Carl Knowlton before June 10. A mailed ballot — or a quick online vote through the SmartHub account — could make the difference. Don’t delay, vote now.

John Goodrich

Littleton