# 10.7.2026 Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee

The Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee meeting on October 7, 2026, discussed the City Council’s unanimous approval of the committee’s Jones Avenue solar motion and a reported $4.1 million in the capital improvement plan, along with additional funding for behind-the-meter rooftop solar. Members discussed the need for staff to report back with a prioritized plan for solar projects, including refined analysis of Jones Avenue and consideration of municipal buildings and schools not covered in prior studies. No new solar contract or procurement award was made by the committee; members expected staff to provide recommendations to City Council.

The committee also supported inviting Freedom Energy Solutions for an informational discussion about its community power model, while emphasizing that Portsmouth is not currently seeking to leave the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH). Members identified questions about contract terms, market risk, customer service, transparency, and communications to residents. CPCNH’s rates, reserves, and regulatory outlook were discussed, but no vendor selection or change in provider was proposed. The committee also discussed recruiting volunteers and participants for a January community window-insert build; no spending action was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 13, 2026

### Sources
- [10.7.2026 Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r4QmmMgxig) - City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire