Why nuclear in NH?

Good morning, New Hampshire, and welcome to a new week. Today, Molly Rains examines New Hampshire’s nuclear moment and what’s driving it. Molly also reports on Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s decision not to join a letter from the other New England governors opposing a proposed utility merger. And, from William Skipworth, challenges mount for the state’s anti-hunger organizations. Thank you for reading, and enjoy the day. — Dana

By Molly Rains

At a moment of big changes in U.S. energy use and policy, with electricity bills pinching consumers and discussions on climate and emissions both high stakes and deeply politicized, New Hampshire’s executive branch has locked in on a vision for one specific path forward. “What we do best right now looks like nuclear,” said Thomas Barrasso, director of energy innovation for the New Hampshire Department of Energy. Yet, at a series of Department of Energy-hosted stakeholder sessions this June and in interviews with the Bulletin after, some hedged on whether nuclear can deliver all the benefits the region’s governors hope it will — while others openly contradicted that idea.

By Molly Rains

Gov. Kelly Ayotte was absent from a joint letter released on Tuesday by the other five New England governors containing strongly worded opposition to a proposed merger between the utilities NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy.

By William Skipworth

During a roundtable last week, food pantry and food bank officials described an increasing number of sign-ups from people concerned about the economy, as well as a rise in homelessness among those they help. Others have been asking if they can visit the pantry after hours because they’re working jobs during operating hours, which don’t pay enough to cover expenses, they said.