We believe in the power of building thriving, sustainable communities where every household has access to clean energy, healthy local food, and the knowledge to live more efficiently and independently.
to build resilient communities in central New Hampshire by providing opportunities that encourage sustainable living
In 2004, peak oil prices were at an all-time high and our dependence upon oil and running out of it was a real issue. Friends Sandra Jones and Peter Adams began thinking about the problem and how to help solve it. This thinking and grass roots movement resulted in the formation of the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative.
Energy Raisers was the first major outcome of the initiative. What if we could teach others how to install solar water heating systems on their rooftop? Then, we could help each other learn, build a knowledgeable community and put more systems in place gaining energy independence while helping the environment and saving money. 250 systems later, the tide was turning. At the same time, gathering to discuss world energy issues and exploring new ideas.
Today, as technology evolved, we now focus on photovoltaic system installations. We also added local food to our priorities in an effort to reduce energy miles and live independently. Creating a resilient community continues to be our goal.
A volunteer group installing household solar hot water systems
PAREI gained non-profit status and inspired three other New Hampshire communities (Hillsborough, Seacoast, and Berlin) to develop a similar model
PAREI received US Department of Energy Gauntlet Award
2006, PAREI launched Local Foods Plymouth, the nation’s first online year-round farmer’s market
PAREI and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative partnered to launch our community solar initiative, NH Solar Shares.
Communities for Alcohol and Drug-free Youth (CADY) Community Partner Award
NH Solar Shares received US Department of Energy Sunny Award
Denise Hutchins is PAREI’s second Executive Director and brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of marketin...
Sandra Jones, M.Ed is the founder of the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative aka PAREI (Hip, Hip, PAREI)...
Craig brings more than 15 years of experience in the clean energy field. He retired from ReVision Energy as a ...
Robbin plans and coordinates 24 statewide NHSaves Button Up Workshops and has done so for 14 years. Since 2008...
Dennis brings a mix of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial leadership, and a passion for local food systems t...
Tim Gotwols started with PAREI at the first Solar Thermal Energy Raiser in 2005 and went on to host the 14th E...
Caryn comes to her work at PAREI with a background in education, with a special focus on sustainability and pl...
Michele has been with PAREI since March 2011. During that time, she has participated in a home button up proje...
MaryAnn McGarry is professor emerita of Plymouth State University in Environmental Science and Policy. She co...
Lisetta works on land protection projects, conservation transactions, and other real estate matters at Ransmei...
Diane is a New Hampshire native and the daughter of two long term volunteers for the Society for the Protectio...
Will and his wife Alicia moved from Henniker to Holderness in 1993, when he was hired to become the Executive ...
Patrick May is a recently retired Geography professor who lives in Bridgewater. He taught at Plymouth State Un...
Michael is the Principal of The Kilfoyle Group, LLC, a firm specializing in optimizing organizational performa...
Kim is a passionate nonprofit executive who fell in love with the Squam Lake area in 2013 and became a year-ro...
Ashley Saba brings a unique blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and deep community roots to her ro...
Being born and raised in northern New Hampshire, Paige naturally developed a passion for the environment by sp...