Rockingham Times

New Hampshire energy officials are saying that a decision to cut back on an energy-efficiency program should be reviewed.

Energy-efficiency companies in New Hampshire, such as Newell & Crathern, insulate buildings and implement other measures to boost energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. WMUR9 News reports that New Hampshire's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has issued an order to downsize the New Hampshire Saves program, which subsidizes the efforts of local energy-efficiency companies.

"The clock is ticking on subsidized energy-efficiency programs following last month's controversial PUC order. Business owner Bill Newell says he's facing mass layoffs in late January if the decision is not reversed or stopped in court," WMUR9 Political Director Adam Sexton wrote in a Dec. 15 Twitter post.

Officials from the companies say they're weeks away from layoffs if the order goes through, and they are calling for it to be reviewed.

"Our employees are very nervous," Newell of Newell & Crathern told WMUR9. "They're coming in every day asking what the future is. I'm talking with the other contractors. They're nervous."

New Hampshire's consumer advocate and the commissioner of energy are urging the PUC to hold a rehearing on its decision.

"There are legitimate questions about how this order will affect the viability of New Hampshire's energy-efficiency programs in the very near future," Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said, according to WMUR9.