CONCORD - Governor John Lynch today announced that New Hampshire has received a $10 million federal grant for its Beacon Communities Project, which will allow the state and local communities to partner to make homes, businesses and local public buildings more energy efficient.

The Beacon Communities project was developed by the Governor's Office, New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission, Public Service of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The Jordan Institute, Community Development Finance Authority, the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and other members of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board.

The Beacon Communities Project will allow the communities of Nashua, Berlin and Plymouth to embark on large-scale energy efficiency projects, which will save homeowners, businesses and taxpayers on energy costs.

"New Hampshire's Beacon Communities can truly serve as a national model to demonstrate the practical difference that increased energy efficiency will make in the lives of citizens, businesses and local governments," Governor Lynch said. "New Hampshire has been aggressive in investing in greater energy efficiency and this grant will complement the actions were are already taking and continue the great progress we have made on this important issue."

New Hampshire continues to be a leader in energy efficiency.

New Hampshire has also dedicated financial resources to energy improvements. As a participant in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative the state has dedicated auction revenues to investments in energy efficiency. New Hampshire also has a Renewable Portfolio Standard and funds from alternative compliance payments are dedicated to renewable energy projects. The New Hampshire's Climate Action Plan, developed by a task force created by Governor Lynch, emphasizes both the carbon reduction and economic benefits of energy efficiency improvements. The Legislature created the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board in 2008 to promote and coordinate energy efficiency efforts around the state. The State has adopted the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. On the local level, New Hampshire has seen a large increase of Local Energy Committees over the past two years with over 90 committees formed

In January, U.S. Sens. Judd Gregg, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Reps. Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter wrote to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in support of the Beacon Communities grant.