(Bow, NH) – Granite Shore Power (GSP) is teaming up with the New Hampshire State Police for the NH 2024 Toys for Tots Program. The NH Toys for Tots Campaign is supported by the New Hampshire State Police and is part of a larger national program operated by the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Campaign. “The GSP team is dedicated to giving back to the community we serve. We are so proud to have supported the Toys for Tots program for the past five years, contributing more than $90,000 to this important organization,” said Jim Andrews, President of Granite Shore Power. “We understand how vital it is for us to play a leading role in helping those in need and we are grateful to have a team of employees who are willing to give back to ensure all children can experience the magic of the holiday season.” During the months of November and December, the New Hampshire State Police will be hosting several events around the state to collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute to children who are in need this holiday season. “We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Granite Shore Power to once again to collect donations for the Toys for Tots campaign,” added Michal Svetnek, Public Information Officer with the New Hampshire State Police. “The generosity of their staff is unmatched, and the amount of donations that are collected each year never ceases to amaze us. It’s truly heartwarming.”
Granite Shore Power CEO Jim Andrews (pictured far right) spoke alongside other executives in a panel discussion at the New England Energy Summit. From left to right: Cheryl LaFleur, moderator, ISO New England; Erin A. O’Dea, Great River Hydro; Jeff Delgado, Lotus Infrastructure Partners; Nate Hanson, LS Power; Jim Andrews, Granite Shore Power As part of the CEO Roundtable panel, Andrews highlighted the importance of energy reliability and affordability for New England. (Boston, MA) - Granite Shore Power CEO, Jim Andrews, was a featured speaker at the fifth annual New England Energy Summit, held on December 3, 2024. Andrews and other industry leaders were brought together as panelists on a “CEO Roundtable” to address emerging energy issues including grid reliability, preparing for extreme weather events, and investing in the evolving energy landscape. Their discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector, exploring how companies can navigate changing market conditions and integrate renewable resources while maintaining reliability. “As leaders in the energy sector, it is our responsibility to confront the challenges in our industry and take proactive steps to ensure people across New Hampshire have reliable, affordable, and sustainable access to energy,” said Jim Andrews, CEO of Granite Shore Power. “Granite Shore Power is investing in resilient infrastructure that will work in tandem with renewable resources in the future and help ensure seasonable reliability during times of peak demand.” In addition to Andrews, participants of the CEO Roundtable included: Nate Hanson, President, LS Power Erin A. O’Dea, President and CEO, Great River Hydro Jeff Delgado, Lotus Infrastructure Partners, Managing Director of Asset Management Cheryl LaFleur, moderator, Chair, ISO New England Andrews highlighted the connection between energy and economic growth in the region, sharing that a reliable and stable energy supply is essential to supporting sustained economic activity. Granite Shore Power is focused on bringing online new resources, including enhanced battery storage systems at Schiller Station that will charge at points of low energy demand throughout the day and discharge at afternoon and evening peaks. To ensure a strong business climate, companies need access to affordable, reliable energy that they can count on during the seasonal swings of the region. GSP’s planned storage projects will be essential dispatchable resources when intermittent resources become interrupted by weather dependency. These projects balance the need to keep energy accessible and affordable while contributing to a cleaner energy mix. Andrews also highlighted Granite Shore Power’s long-standing repowering plan, which includes the transformation of Schiller and Merrimack Stations into clean energy parks. Schiller and Merrimack are interconnected to the grid, which means they can be developed quicker than entirely new projects, enabling a faster transition to cleaner energy. “We have made considerable progress towards our renewable energy goals, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” said Andrews. “If New England is going to benefit from the energy transition and clean energy opportunities – not only decarbonization efforts but also economic growth – it will be critical that industry leaders work together and continue to engage in thoughtful dialogue.”
At Granite Shore Power (GSP), we’re proud to be home to a diverse and dedicated workforce, including many military veterans who bring invaluable experience, leadership, and resilience to our organization. In appreciation of these selfless individuals, GSP holds an annual tradition allowing our veteran employees to choose a charity they’re passionate about. Each Veteran’s Day, GSP donates to this organization, chosen by our veterans, to honor their service and to support causes that resonate deeply with those who have served our country. This year, our veteran community selected Hero Pups, a New Hampshire-based organization that provides specially trained support dogs to veterans and first responders facing service-related trauma. These dogs offer much more than companionship—they empower veterans with increased independence and a renewed sense of peace. Hero Pups’ mission aligns with GSP’s values of community, resilience, and support. Using 100 percent of donations to acquire, train, and place dogs, Hero Pups minimizes costs, reduces wait times, and ensures that every dollar raised reaches as many veterans and first responders as possible. “We chose to support Hero Pups because of their strong focus on veteran assistance, especially within New Hampshire,” said Robert Lussier, a US Navy Reserve veteran and a valued member of our team. “Recognizing the long and demanding process involved in pairing these trained dogs with veterans in need, we wanted to make a meaningful impact. This initiative was more than just a financial contribution—it was a collective effort. Together, our team, led by the veterans among us and supported by the broader community of employees, came together to actively support the cause. By uniting behind Hero Pups, we hope to play a part in helping veterans access the support they deserve.” For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life comes with unique challenges, including mental health struggles like PTSD. Hero Pups addresses this critical need by providing trained service dogs that can have a profoundly positive impact on veterans’ well-being. US Air Force veteran Stephen Simeone shared, “Hero Pups holds a special meaning for me as a veteran. I know firsthand the positive impact a service dog can have on veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Giving back to the community is incredibly important to me, and when GSP announced this initiative, I felt compelled to get involved. I have friends who would truly benefit from this opportunity. Through our efforts, we’re not only supporting veterans and first responders but actively contributing to something that makes a real difference.” By celebrating the contributions of our veterans and supporting the charities they care about, GSP aims to foster a workplace where everyone feels a sense of community and belonging. Our commitment to supporting veteran causes like Hero Pups allows us to extend the impact of GSP’s values beyond our walls and into the New Hampshire community. This Veteran’s Day, we are honored to support Hero Pups in their mission to serve those who have selflessly served our country.
Andrews featured as panelist in Business & Industry Association’s 2024 New Hampshire Energy Symposium (Concord, NH) – On November 7, 2024, Granite Shore Power CEO Jim Andrews participated in an expert panel at the Business & Industry Association’s 2024 New Hampshire Energy Symposium. In a panel conversation entitled, State of Energy in New Hampshire, Andrews offered insight into the future of the state’s energy grid, and how Granite Shore Power (“GSP”) is providing reliable energy generation to the families and businesses of New Hampshire. “New England’s energy sector is at a critical moment, as many power plants in the region have recently retired and our own Merrimack and Schiller Stations are transitioning to renewable energy parks. This winter, fewer energy sources will be available, which creates a serious risk for energy stability in the area.” Andrews said. “It is imperative that we combat this by expanding energy sources, which will lower energy costs and help to build a reliable, sustainable future for New Hampshire.” GSP is proactively addressing the need for reliability by investing in battery storage, which can deliver power needed right away–not ten years from now. Andrews outlined the company’s plans for Schiller Station, which includes the addition of a battery energy storage system (BESS). The system will charge at points of low energy demand throughout the day and discharge at afternoon and evening peaks, balancing supply and demand in real time. In tandem with renewable energy resources, the technology will meet increased energy needs and allow for continued economic growth in the Granite State. “Throughout the redevelopment of Merrimack and Schiller stations, it is critical that we have the sustained support of both lawmakers and the community,” added Andrews. “This collaboration is essential to ensure we can deliver reliable electricity to the families and businesses of New England.” In March of this year, GSP announced the voluntary closure of operations at Schiller Station and at Merrimack Station, New England’s last remaining coal-fired plant, facilitating the creation of first-of-their-kind “Renewable Energy Parks” in the state of New Hampshire. The transformation of these power plants into new, clean energy facilities marks the end of coal-fired generation in New England and facilitates exciting new economic growth at each location. GSP’s decision to set a firm closure date for coal-fired operations at both Merrimack and Schiller was part of the company’s long-standing repowering plan. The transformation of these power plants into new, clean energy facilities will mark the end of coal-fired generation in New England and facilitate exciting new economic growth at each location.
Andrews discussed offshore wind infrastructure at EBC 6th Annual New Hampshire Offshore Wind Conference (Concord, NH) - On October 16, 2024, Granite Shore Power CEO Jim Andrews participated in the Environmental Business Council of New England’s 6th Annual New Hampshire Offshore Wind Conference. Andrews’ presentation focused on the Granite State’s burgeoning offshore wind industry and the vital role that Granite Shore Power (“GSP”) will play in helping to make wind power a reality for New England. Specifically, Andrews talked about GSP's transformation of Schiller Station into a battery energy storage facility, which would provide storage for the wind power being built off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and in the Gulf of Maine. “The New Hampshire Seacoast is an area of high energy demand, and it’s well-positioned to take advantage of the potential sites for offshore wind,” said Andrews. “By repowering Schiller Station to a battery storage system, we will be able to provide reliable, carbon-neutral power to support the peak energy demands of New Hampshire residents every single day.” GSP’s Schiller Station will be repowered to a battery energy storage system (BESS) called Jacona II. BESS is an optimal dispatchable resource for supporting decarbonization efforts when located in proximity to the load demand they are servicing. The Schiller Station, located on the Seacoast in Portsmouth, provides an ideal opportunity to site a critically needed resource utilizing existing infrastructure to meet reliability needs sensibly. It is estimated that the coast of New Hampshire has enough offshore wind potential to supply 2,600 MW of clean energy to the region's power grid, enough to power the entire Granite State, according to Clean Energy NH. Offshore wind developments can provide significant investment in the state's economy and offer a suite of well-paying jobs across a suite of supporting industries. “This is a pivotal moment, as we embark on this journey to build a cleaner energy future. GSP has a unique opportunity to help address New England’s reliability challenges, by creating an energy storage surplus that dispatches power when and where it’s needed,” added Andrews. “This project will be a major step forward in the region’s transition to the next generation of energy resources.” Andrews noted the need for significant investment to make this transformation come to fruition. “The offshore wind sector requires significant coastal infrastructure for manufacturing, construction, marshaling, and operations and maintenance,” Andrews stated. “New Hampshire needs direct investments in these clean energy projects for the state to benefit from decarbonization efforts and the economic growth possibilities that come with them.” In March of this year, GSP announced the voluntary closure of operations at Schiller Station and at Merrimack Station, New England’s last remaining coal-fired plant, facilitating the creation of first-of-their-kind “Renewable Energy Parks” in the state of New Hampshire. The transformation of these power plants into new, clean energy facilities marks the end of coal-fired generation in New England and facilitates exciting new economic growth at each location. GSP’s decision to set a firm closure date for coal-fired operations at both Merrimack and Schiller was part of the company’s long-standing repowering plan. The transformation of these power plants into new, clean energy facilities will mark the end of coal-fired generation in New England and facilitate exciting new economic growth at each location. “Our transformed facilities will continue providing reliable electric generation to Granite Staters. This is a bold step forward and making good on our promise to transition our coal-fired plants to clean energy facilities, meeting the changing needs of the region,” concluded Andrews.
Andrews highlighted planned transition of coal-fired plant to renewable energy parks, which will continue to provide reliable electric generation to the Granite State (Concord, NH) - Granite Shore Power CEO, Jim Andrews, was a featured speaker at the 2024 New Hampshire Energy Summit, held on September 23, 2024. His presentation, Reliability in a Transforming Market, addressed the critical issue of reliability in balancing regional energy resources to an audience of energy sector stakeholders. “Granite Shore Power’s generating stations have been essential resources within ISO-New England ensuring reliable electricity to the families and businesses of New Hampshire on its hottest days and coldest nights,” said Andrews. “As we transition to new energy resources, we need a balanced mix of generation, which we believe our energy parks will be able to support in a cost-efficient manner.” Andrews highlighted the company’s role in enhancing energy stability through major redevelopment efforts at Schiller Station in Portsmouth, NH and Merrimack Station in Bow, NH. In March, Granite Shore Power voluntarily announced that Schiller Station would cease operations by 2025, and Merrimack Station would be retired by 2028, as part of an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As part of the redevelopment plan, Schiller Station is building a battery energy storage system, taking energy from the grid during low demand and putting it back on the grid during peak periods. Schiller and Merrimack Stations have been an important, yet limited, part of New Hampshire’s energy infrastructure for many years now. Merrimack Station will continue to be a vital resource when energy demands are at their highest while GSP redevelops the facility on its nearly 400 acres of land into a Clean Energy Park for generations to come. “After years of working toward the promises we made at inception, we are now there,” added Andrews. “It has taken significant effort to get to this point and more work must be done before these transformational projects begin construction, but we’re ready to solve a real reliability concern for the region. It will take the support of all stakeholders, including the business community, the advocacy community and our governmental partners, but we’re excited to take this important next step.
Agreement Between Granite Shore Power and EPA Paves Way for Battery, Solar, and Other Clean Energy Facilities (Bow, New Hampshire) -- Granite Shore Power (“GSP”) today announced a historic agreement with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) whereby the parties have set a firm date for the voluntary closure by GSP of operations at Merrimack Station, New England’s last remaining coal-fired power plant, as well as Schiller Station. This agreement will facilitate the creation of first-of-their-kind “Renewable Energy Parks” in the state of New Hampshire. GSP’s decision to set a firm closure date for coal-fired operations at both Merrimack and Schiller is part of the company’s long-standing repowering plan. The transformation of these power plants into new, clean energy facilities will mark the end of coal-fired generation in New England and facilitate exciting new economic growth at each location. “From our earliest days as owners and operators, we have been crystal clear; while our power occasionally is still on during New England’s warmest days and coldest nights, we were firmly committed to transitioning our facilities away from coal and into a newer, cleaner energy future. By pursuing and ultimately entering into this voluntary agreement with the U.S. EPA, we are keeping that commitment,” said Jim Andrews, CEO of Granite Shore Power. As part of the redevelopment plan, Schiller Station is advancing a battery energy storage system, taking energy from the grid during low demand and putting it back on the grid during peak periods. Schiller is on the Seacoast and will be integral in supporting reliability daily during peak hours and storage for the wind power that is now being built off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and in the Gulf of Maine. “The New Hampshire Seacoast is an area of high-energy demand and through the repowering of Schiller Station, we will provide carbon neutral power to support the businesses and families of New Hampshire. Our facilities are ideally situated near the infrastructure necessary to transition the region to the next generation of energy resources,” stated Andrews. Merrimack Station has been an important, yet limited, part of New Hampshire’s energy infrastructure for many years. It will continue to be a vital resource when energy demands are at their highest while GSP redevelops nearly 400 acres of land into a clean energy center for generations to come. Through the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in Washington D.C. and the continued shift toward a more electrified economy in New England, developing on-demand generation resources has become more critical than ever to ensure electric reliability for New Englanders. With the continued support of state, federal and local leaders, the redevelopment of both Merrimack and Schiller will enhance the interconnection utilization at the facilities and advance the region’s overall generation mix. “This Agreement is a significant accomplishment in driving clean energy forward, and it took a rejection of rhetoric, a focus on facts and a commitment to shared objectives. We thank U.S. EPA for their leadership and partnership over the past six years and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to deliver reliable, clean energy for New England,” Andrews concluded.
Granite Shore Power identified as clean energy leader after announcing it will close coal-fired power plants, transition to “Renewable Energy Parks” (Concord, New Hampshire) -- Granite Shore Power (“GSP”) today joined the League of Conservation Voters (“LCV”) at the New Hampshire State House to share GSP’s clean energy transition plan and support for offshore wind development in the New England region. In the coming years, Granite Shore Power will be a key player in creating and supporting clean energy projects, including solar, battery storage systems and other alternatives that promote commerce growth in New Hampshire and other northeast states. “We are proud to share the progress we have made in just over a month since we announced our plans to transition our facilities away from coal,” said Jim Andrews, CEO of Granite Shore Power. “The investments we plan to make in New Hampshire’s port infrastructure will be critical to support offshore wind needs that will stimulate economic growth and development.” GSP has been recognized as a leader in sustainable energy initiatives, and the company’s commitment to advancing offshore wind development underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship and economic progress. “New Hampshire has an unparalleled opportunity to play a key role in the development of offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine and to take advantage of direct benefits from economic development, job creation, and enhanced environmental protection of our natural resources,” said Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director of the League of Conservation Voters. “Granite Shore Power’s leadership in the arena and their plans to transition legacy fossil fuel plants to support offshore wind and other clean energy sources is visionary and will have a transformative and positive impact on New Hampshire’s energy future.” Earlier this year, GSP announced a historic agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) whereby the parties set a firm date for the voluntary closure by GSP of 2 operations at Merrimack Station, New England’s last remaining coal-fired power plant, as well as Schiller Station. This agreement will facilitate the creation of first-of-their-kind “Renewable Energy Parks” in the state of New Hampshire. GSP’s decision to set a firm closure date for coal-fired operations at both Merrimack and Schiller was part of the company’s long-standing repowering plan. The transformation of these power plants into new, clean energy facilities will mark the end of coal-fired generation in New England and facilitate exciting new economic growth at each location. New Hampshire State Senator David Watters joined The League of Conservation Voters and Granite Shore Power to urge his Senate colleagues to support and prioritize clean energy projects. “Granite Shore Power is delivering on their promise to usher in a clean energy future in New Hampshire. Coal-powered fuel will come to an end in New England, to be replaced by clean and renewable energy,” said State Sen. Watters. “I am excited to support GSP’s plans for solar, battery storage and alternative renewable projects at these important sites.” “By prioritizing clean energy initiatives and voluntarily closing their coal-fired plants, Granite Shore Power is setting an example for the industry,” said Sam Evans-Brown, Executive Director, Clean Energy NH. “Their proactive steps to shape the future of energy in the region while mitigating climate change will pave the way for a cleaner, more affordable future here in New Hampshire.” As part of the redevelopment plan, Schiller Station is advancing a battery energy storage system, taking energy from the grid during low demand and putting it back on the grid during peak periods. Schiller is on the Seacoast and will be integral in supporting reliability daily during peak hours and storage for the wind power that is now being built off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and in the Gulf of Maine. Merrimack Station has been an important, yet limited, part of New Hampshire’s energy infrastructure for many years. It will continue to be a vital resource when energy demands are at their highest while GSP redevelops nearly 400 acres of land into a clean energy center for generations to come. Through the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in Washington D.C. and the continued shift toward a more electrified economy in New England, developing on-demand generation resources has become more critical than ever to ensure electric reliability for New Englanders. With the continued support of state, federal and local leaders, the redevelopment of both Merrimack and Schiller will enhance the interconnection utilization at the facilities and advance the region’s overall generation mix.
For nearly three quarters of a century, Merrimack Station in Bow and Schiller Station in Portsmouth have reliably served the energy needs of families and businesses across New Hampshire. These facilities keep folks warm on our coldest nights and cool during our hottest days, by burning coal. These two stations, however, have not operated as baseload generation for more than a decade. In fact, in recent years Merrimack Station has been a limited part of New Hampshire’s energy infrastructure. From our earliest days as owners and operators at Granite Shore Power, we have been crystal clear; we were fully committed to transitioning our facilities away from coal and into a newer, cleaner energy future for the New England region. And that is precisely what we did last week. In keeping our promise, Granite Shore Power will voluntarily cease coal-fired operations at Merrimack Station, New England’s last remaining coal-fired power plant, as well as Schiller Station. The historic agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) paves the way for first-of-their-kind “Renewable Energy Parks” in the state of New Hampshire. That’s right. Coal is being replaced by solar power, clean hydrogen, green biofuels, and battery storage. Our facilities are ideally situated near the infrastructure necessary to transition the region to the next generation of energy resources. The transformation of these power plants into new, clean energy facilities will facilitate exciting new economic growth at each location. Just like we have promised for the past six years. The New Hampshire Seacoast is an area of high-energy demand. By repowering Schiller Station to a battery storage system, we will provide carbon neutral power to reliably support the peak energy demands of New Hampshire every single day. Importantly, this will also provide storage for the wind power being built off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and in the Gulf of Maine. Our change will make wind power a reality in New Hampshire. Merrimack Station will continue to be a vital resource when energy demands are at their highest. We will redevelop nearly 400 acres of land into a clean energy center for generations to come. The continued shift toward a more electrified economy in New England makes developing reliable, affordable on-demand generation resources more important than ever. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been key to spurring transition projects like these. New Hampshire will now be at the forefront of building a clean energy economy with the continued support of federal, state, and local leaders. We believe we’re living up to the good, bipartisan work of these thoughtful leaders with our work. And, with the continued support of state, federal and local officials in the months and years to come, the redevelopment of both Merrimack and Schiller will succeed, and we will better utilize the interconnection at these facilities while advancing the region’s overall generation mix. This voluntary agreement by our company is a significant accomplishment in driving clean energy forward. It took the rejection of rhetoric, a focus on facts and a commitment to shared objectives for this energy transition. We are proud of the role we have played in providing a safe and reliable energy bridge and are excited for this next chapter of clean energy infrastructure.