Right now New Hampshire's goal is to have 25 percent of local electricity derived from renewable sources by 2025. Steve Marchand wants renewables to count for 50 percent by 2030.
Marchand says Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine are headed in that direction and New Hampshire would be wise to join them.
"I think this is a reasonable number. There are thousands of jobs in growing parts of the economy that I think are sitting there, if we are willing and able to lead on being more aggressive about increasing the percentage of our mix that comes from renewable resources."
Marchand's energy plan also calls for what is known as peak shaving -- lowering demand on the days when electricity use is highest. Marchand sees more use of renewables is one way to do this. He thinks spending to improve the energy grid, and to boost energy efficiency programs, could help achieve the same goal.
