Eversource and NH Ski Resorts Partner to Give Environment a Lift with Energy Efficiency

From Cannon Mountain to Pats Peak, ski resorts throughout the Granite State are teaming up with Eversource to reduce their costs and impact on the environment. As high users of energy that are dependent on the health of the state's natural resources, ski resorts' efforts to reduce their energy use are critical to ensuring the state's tourism economy will continue to thrive and to preserving the beautiful natural resources that make New Hampshire a top destination for outdoor recreation. 

"As a catalyst for clean energy in New Hampshire, we are committed to providing technical assistance and financial incentives to help our resort customers make the switch to energy-efficient equipment," said Eversource Energy Efficiency Spokesperson Kate Peters. "We are working with resorts across our service territory to install upgrades that meet their unique needs, ranging from the latest in snowmaking technology and interior and exterior lighting to weatherization and HVAC system improvements."

Energy-efficient snow guns have been a game-changer for New Hampshire ski resorts, which welcome approximately 2.4 million visitors each winter. In addition to lowering the resorts' energy costs, energy-efficient snow guns enhance snowmaking capabilities, providing a direct benefit to visitors. With snowmaking accounting for approximately two-thirds of a ski resort's total energy use, operational savings achieved by enhancing the efficiency of this process also has a significant impact on a resort's bottom line. 

"Snowmaking is essential to a ski resort's ability to provide a quality experience for guests and is critical to a successful season," said Ski New Hampshire Executive Director Jessyca Keeler. "With Eversource's support, our ski resorts are utilizing modern equipment to provide a memorable experience for their guests when they hit the slopes, even if Mother Nature doesn't provide."

Cannon Mountain has achieved an annual reduction in energy costs of more than $350,000 with its investment in energy-efficient snow guns, air compressors and pumps, and lighting. The ski area has more than 600 energy-efficient, fixed, mounted and portable air/water snow guns in action - more than 95 percent of its snow-making arsenal - with plans to add more.

"We're producing 50 percent more snow at half the energy cost, while reducing our maintenance hours and costs," said Cannon Mountain General Manager John DeVivo. "We can now make snow quickly enough to open the top of the mountain in just a few days - half the time this process previously required." 

Similarly, Pat's Peak has realized significant cost savings with investments in weatherproofing its resort. The family-owned business worked with Eversource to modernize its operation and reduce its energy footprint, completing more than 30 energy efficiency projects since 2012. These upgrades, including an investment in energy-efficient snow guns, have saved the resort more than $600,000 in annual energy costs.

"Remaining competitive and relevant in the marketplace requires significant capital expenditures," said Pats Peak General Manager Kris Blomback. "Eversource has been a tremendous partner to our organization. The company's energy efficiency team understands our business and how to make it more sustainable. Additionally, Eversource has connected us with rebates and incentives that made improvement projects affordable."

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