Bethlehem Select Board on Monday took the first steps to have the town join the CPC

With an eye toward securing less expensive electricity for residents and businesses and more renewable energy sources for those who want it, the Bethlehem Select Board on Monday took the first steps to have the town join the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPC). The CPC is a statewide 501(c)(4) public nonprofit that is governed by its member communities and allows residents to obtain third-party power at less expensive rates than New Hampshire’s default provider, Eversource Energy, and offers expanded choices for renewable energy and other innovations. The Select Board voted 4-0 to adopt the CPC New Hampshire Joint Powers Agreement and designate the BEC as Bethlehem’s community power committee. The decision, though, is non-binding and the ultimate authority will go to voters through an article that could be on the March town meeting warrant.