By Rachel Ranelli, Originally Published in The Monadnock Shopper News, Green Monadnock column, April 2026.
As communities across the country search for practical ways to address rising energy costs and climate change, the Monadnock Sustainability Hub is launching an ambitious local initiative designed to help residents make the transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient homes.
The organization’s new Electrify Monadnock Fund, officially launching on May 30, provides direct financial assistance to low- and moderate-income households across the Monadnock Region for home energy improvements. The privately funded rebate program has already raised more than $425,000 in donations ahead of its official rollout. Since the program’s soft launch in March, almost $24,000 has already been earmarked for approved projects.
The program represents significant grassroots clean-energy investments and reflects a growing movement toward local climate solutions that reduce household costs while lowering climate pollution. Federal and state incentives for clean energy have been dramatically rescinded in recent years, leaving residents searching for financial assistance. This is where the Electrify Monadnock Fund steps in.
Residents who qualify for the program may receive up to $7,000 in rebates for projects that improve home energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Eligible upgrades include weatherization, solar panels, battery storage systems, heat pumps, induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, electric panel upgrades, electric dryers, and electric vehicle purchases.
The Electrify Monadnock Fund takes advantage of the Hub’s existing Home Energy Coaching program, which has helped over 100 households so far. The volunteer coaches help evaluate project options, understand available incentives, complete rebate applications, and develop a long-term plan tailored to their homes and budgets.
The Monadnock Sustainability Hub says this coaching component is central to the organization’s mission. The program provides critical assistance to residents who are unsure where to start or are overwhelmed by the technical complexity of electrification projects.
Through the coaching program, residents are matched with local volunteers who can walk them through the process step by step. Coaches aren’t trying to sell you something. They are your neighbors who were previously in your shoes. They provide guidance tailored to what is best for each household.
The Electrify Monadnock Fund builds on years of climate and clean-energy organizing by the Monadnock Sustainability Hub. The organization works with residents to help the Monadnock Region transition toward 100 percent clean energy. The Hub also has close ties to Clean Energy NH and town Energy Committees and other local groups focusing on similar goals at the municipal level.
The Monadnock Sustainability Hub has already played a visible role in regional sustainability efforts through initiatives involving solar energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, energy-efficiency campaigns, community education, and clean-energy fairs.
Now, with the launch of the Electrify Monadnock Fund, the organization hopes to directly accelerate home energy improvements while ensuring that lower- and moderate-income residents are not left behind in the clean-energy transition.
Residents interested in participating are encouraged to attend the launch event on May 30th at the Keene Public Library from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm to learn more and sign up! You can register on the Hub website: www.monadnocksustainabilityhub.org. Clean energy contractors and experienced coaches will be in attendance.
To donate to the Electrify Monadnock Fund or for more information about the program, check out the Hub’s website: www.monadnocksustainabilityhub.org. Have a specific question? Reach out to info@monadnocksustainabilityhub.org.
The new effort arrives at a time when energy affordability and resilience are increasingly important concerns for New Hampshire households. Heating costs in the region remain heavily influenced by fossil fuel prices, and many older homes face challenges related to insulation, aging heating systems, and outdated electrical infrastructure.
As communities across the country search for scalable climate solutions, the Monadnock Region’s newest initiative offers a locally driven model centered on affordability, education, and community support — demonstrating how regional action can help shape a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
Rachel Ranelli is the current Program Manager for the Monadnock Sustainability Hub, a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to reduce climate pollution and reach 100% clean energy in the region. She is a 2023 graduate of Franklin Pierce University, with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, graduating with honors and a Sustainability Certificate.