Shown from left during the Jan. 8 Energy Roundtable are Kyle Worth, managing director of Bass Property Management, Mayor James Donchess, Samuel Evans-Brown, director of Clean Energy New Hampshire, Michael Turcotte, owner of Turn Cycle Solutions, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Congresswoman Annie Kuster and Kirk Stone, weatherization program manager for the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently joined New Hampshire’s federal delegation for a roundtable discussion at Turn Cycle Solutions focusing on energy efficiency throughout the Granite State.

“In New Hampshire, Turn Cycle Solutions provides energy audits and energy efficient improvements to local residents,” said Granholm. “Small businesses like these are essential to lowering energy costs for Americans nationwide while supporting weatherization assistance programs.”

Founded by Michael Turcotte in 2009, Turn Cycle has grown by 135 percent and currently has 25 employees.

“We’ve had tremendous growth,” Turcotte said during the Jan. 8 meeting, adding that he cannot hire people fast enough to keep up the demands of this booming industry.

Granholm also spoke about the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge which was launched in 2021. The purpose of the initiative is to “accelerate the deployment of heat pump technologies by supporting innovation and manufacturing.”

Granholm said it costs approximately $3,000 per year to heat the average home using fuel oil. However, that cost can be reduced by as much as $500 by using a cold climate electric heat pump. Residents who install a heat pump will also be eligible for the Energy Efficient Tax Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act.

In addition, President Joe Biden has set a goal for the U.S. to have 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

“Deploying next-generation technologies like heat pumps is critical to the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to ensure that Americans have access to more affordable clean heating and cooling options, no matter where they live,” said Granholm. “By supporting industry advancements, DOE’s Cold-Climate Heat Pump Challenge is helping get cost-effective clean energy technology into homes across America, keeping families warm during the coldest U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen recently introduced the Energy Circuit Riders Act designed to support energy experts to assist rural communities in making key investments in clean energy.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said visiting Turn Cycle provided a “firsthand look at how Granite State businesses are building our clean energy future.”

“Investing in energy efficiency benefits our environment, our businesses and Granite State families,” she said. “I’ll always advocate on behalf of federal resources that help to transform the energy landscape and foster economic growth here in New Hampshire.”

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan touted the benefits of clean energy legislation.

“As New Hampshire sees the impacts of climate change, these laws will help protect our environment, lower energy costs and strengthen our economy,” she said. “I will continue working to help get the word out about important opportunities through these laws for New Hampshire families and businesses.”

Congresswoman Annie Kuster said the Inflation Reduction Act will allow America to eventually free itself from its longstanding dependence on fossil fuels.

“By expanding access to renewable energy, we will help families and businesses across our state lower their heating, water and electricity bills and reduce overall energy demand,” she said. “Together, we will lower energy costs across the board and build a brighter future.”