Richard Norman

I am Chairman of Essex Hydro Associates (EHA) and a multiyear past president of Granite state Hydropower Association. I have been involved in the hydroelectric business since 1980, well before enactment of the RPS program. I actively participated in the legislative process that led to enactment of the existing RPS program. The RPS program has been particularly important to NH's small hydroelectric projects by adding a revenue source that enables these projects to meet extensive state and federal regulatory requirements not faced by other renewable energy sources. Enactment of HB 1721 will essentially terminate the RPS program. GSHA projects are located throughout NH, primarily at the site of old mills with many in densely populated areas. They provide local employment, purchase local services and pay local and state taxes. A loss of revenue from the sale of Class IV Renewable Energy Credits will have a significant negative effect on many GSHA projects, potentially threatening their ongoing viability.