* opens in new window

Biodiesel, Outreach Efforts Turn Cranmore Green

NH Electric Coop Receives Award for Helping Cranmore Reduce Energy Consumption

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association presented a National Community Service Award to New Hampshire Electric Cooperative for the co-op's multi-faceted program to help Cranmore Mountain Resort reduce its energy consumption by applying new, efficient technologies and participating in a demand response program. Implementing this comprehensive program boosted the bottom line of a major commercial member that is a linchpin to economic vitality in the state.

After a thorough review of the member's energy usage, NHEC provided Cranmore Mountain Resort a rebate of $15,000 toward the purchase of 20 low-energy tower snow guns estimated to be sixty percent more efficient than conventional snowmakers. On top of this rebate, the co-op provided $56,300 for new fan guns through its SmartSTART program (Savings Through Affordable Retrofit Technologies), which allows the co-op to be repaid over time on the member's electric bill using energy savings.

View the video or read the full article.

---

Free Lift Tickets to Hybrid Vehicle Drivers on Biodiesel Days

• Cranmore uses more than 20,000 gallons of 20% biodiesel fuel each year
• 4,000-gallon reduction of conventional fossil fuel diesel each year
• Cranmore will host two Biodiesel Days this winter

Cranmore Mountain Resort, in heart of New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley, made headlines in 2003 when it became the first ski area east of the Mississippi to run its grooming equipment and other diesel vehicles on the then-innovative alternative fuel that few others were utilizing. Now 4 years later, biodiesel fuel and climate change are all over the news, and Cranmore again is leading the way with initiatives striving to reduce carbon emissions both at the resort and throughout the region with outreach programs to educate its guests.

Cranmore will host two Biodiesel Days, when drivers of hybrid vehicles will receive a free lift ticket for the day as well as free VIP parking in the premiere lot. These events take place Saturday, January 12, 2008, and Saturday, March 22, 2008. Drivers are required to present an auto registration for their hybrid vehicle to receive the free ticket.

Cranmore switched to biodiesel (B20) to operate their four groomers in 2003. Cranmore was the first eastern United States winter resort to switch to biodiesel (B20) instead of conventional fossil fuel diesel. The resort uses more than 20,000 gallons of 20% biodiesel fuel each year which results in a 4,000 gallon reduction of conventional fossil fuel diesel. Cranmore has also invested in a 4,000 gallon above-ground, non-heated biodiesel storage tank with some collaborative help from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (GSCCC).

Cranmore has found using biodiesel instead of conventional petroleum diesel has made a significant improvement in air quality, is cleaner running, and has less toxic emissions than conventional diesel. "This is especially true when the machines are being worked on in the repair shop," said Jim Mersereau, director of operations. Cranmore has also found that not only is biodiesel better for the environment but it is convenient to use. "We have never had any problems with the biodiesel fuel in the cold, and we didn’t have to make any modifications to our machines in order to use the alternative fuel," Mersereau explained.

In the interest of expanding its influence within Mount Washington Valley and reducing emissions in the region, Cranmore will provide biodiesel fuel to the local Village Trolley, providers of shuttle buses to and from Cranmore and area hotels and motels. The Trolleys, which circulate continuously around North Conway and the surrounding areas seven day a week, will carry placards announcing they are "Powered by Cranmore Biodiesel."

Additionally, Cranmore will institute an anti-idling program for both staff and guests, instituting "Clean Air Zones" all around the resort. Motor vehicles are the leading source of air pollution in New Hampshire and one of the primary contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. In order to preserve the natural environment its guests enjoy and to protect the health and well being of all, Cranmore has adopted an Engine Idling Reduction program. The guidelines include:

• Asking all drivers to turn off engines when they reach their destination and expect to be parked for more than 10 seconds.
• Letting vehicles idle no more than necessary to bring them up to proper operating temperature – generally 1 to 3 minutes in winter.
• Letting vehicles idle no more than necessary to bring them up to proper operating temperature – generally 1 to 3 minutes in winter.
• Limit idling time over all to no more than 5-15 minutes (depending on temperature).

"People may be surprised to learn that running diesel generators at a ski resort has been found to generate a higher reading of particulate matter, a measurement of air pollution, than was measured in New York City shortly after September 11, 2001," stated Cranmore General Manager, Ben Wilcox. "By following these simple guidelines, we can help reduce global warming and keep winter cool and our slopes white."

Cranmore sponsors the Going Green Expo at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire on Oct. 27 and 28, 2007. The expo is in partnership with the NH Sustainable Energy Association. The first 100 attendees to that event will receive a free Cranmore lift ticket. Cranmore General Manager Ben Wilcox and Mountain Operations Director Jimmy Mersereau have also been speakers at various conferences and events on Cranmore’s biodiesel program, including the state of New Hampshire’s Green Slopes Series.