FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2011
VOL. 20 NO. 162
BERLIN, N.H.
PUC approves power contracts for five small biomass plants BY BARBARA TETREAULT THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
NORTH COUNTRY – The Public Utilities Commission has approved short-term power purchase agreements between five small biomass plants and Public Service of N.H. The agreements will allow the small biomass plants to continue to operate as part of the North Country economy but will add 55 cents to the average PSNH residential customer’s monthly bill according to testimony filed in the case. The power purchase agreements (PPAs) were part of a settlement negotiated between PSNH and the woodfired independent power producers (IPPs). The settlement was negotiated this summer with the help of state and local officials in order to allow construction of the Berlin BioPower biomass plant in Berlin to go forward. The IPPs had appealed the 20-year power purchase agreement between PSNH and Berlin BioPower, the owner of the Berlin project. With the appeal pending,
Cate Street Capital was not able to complete financing for the biomass plant and at one point declared the project dead. Gov. Lynch stepped in to restart negotiations between the parties and successfully pushed for the settlement agreement. In exchange for the parties agreeing to support the contracts for the five IPPs, the biomass plants agreed to withdraw their appeal of the agreement between PSNH and Berlin Station. Construction of the Berlin biomass plant is now underway. “This agreement is good news for our state and our economy. It will not only continue to ensure more of our energy comes from renewable sources, but it will also directly save a number jobs across our state,” Gov. Lynch said. “I applaud and thank everyone involved for working to make this agreement possible.” Testimony presented to the PUC said the IPPs would probably shut down without the new power purchase agreements. The agreements, which are for less than
752-5858
FREE
The late afternoon sun shone on Norway Street as presidential candidate Mitt Romney walks with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Pastor Gail Bauzenberger and former Governor John Sununu. (MELISSA GRIMA)
Romney and company visit Norwegian Village BY MELISSA GRIMA
see PUC page 7
THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
BERLIN — In between campaign stops in Lancaster and North Conway, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney walked the streets of the Norwegian Village in Berlin on Thursday afternoon, shaking hands and meeting the people. Romney was joined by former Governor John Sununu, State Senator John Gallus, and Executive Councilor Ray Burton as he introduced himself to citizens along Norway Street and later Main Street. Dressed casually, Romney was at ease conversing with a variety of citizens on a number of topics. He touched briefly on religious topics with Pastor Gail Bauzenberger of St. Paul’s see ROMNEY page 15
State receives more fuel assistance money BY BARBARA TETREAULT THE BERLIN DAILY SUN
Randy Labnon was recognized for his eighteen years of continuous leadership as director of the North Country Community Chorus at the 20th Anniversary Christmas Concert on December 11 at St. Kieran Arts Center. Christian Labnon (l) congratulates and shakes his father’s hand as he proudly “accepts the passing of the baton” to become the new director of the chorus for 2012. The North Country Community Chorus represents over seventy five individuals from throughout the region who gather in fall to prepare for a series of Christmas concerts held at the Arts Center, to share their love of singing as a gift to the community. Membership is open to new members. Watch for upcoming notices or call the Arts Center at 752-1028.
Maureen’s Boutique & Tanning Salon
146 Main St. • 752-7569 Mon-Fri 9:30-6 Sat 9:30-5 • Sun 12-4
Gift Certificates for Clothing or Tanning Buy One Item, Get One 50% OFF 107 Main St, Berlin, NH • 752-1520 • www.greetingsjewelers.com
Boutique at 101
For That Special Gift.... She’s Sure To Love!
COOS COUNTY – Just in time for the holiday season, the state yesterday received an extra $4.8 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced the federal government Thursday released some of the additional LIHEAP funds that Congress approved last week. After initially cutting LIHEAP funding by 45 percent, Congress last week increased it to almost $3.5 billion. That is still less than the $4.5
101 Main St., Gorham, NH 466-5811
111 Main St., Gorham 603-466-5330
Delicious Gift Certificates
Free Gift Wrapping/Gift Certificates. Open every day until Christmas 10 am- 5 pm
Sign Up Now, Get $5 Off Your First Deal
see FUEL page 15
Sign up by visiting our website berlindailysun.com
berlindailysun.com