A series of energy efficiency initiatives now underway at Cannon Mountain is expected to reduce energy consumption at the ski area by about 30 percent, while significantly increasing snowmaking capabilities.
The State of New Hampshire signed a $5.1 million contract with the energy service firm Ameresco for the project.
“This is part of the state’s effort to reduce its energy consumption 50 percent by 2030,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Rose of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, which oversees operation of Cannon Mountain. “Even as this important project is anticipated to cut energy consumption, it will provide critical upgrades to important infrastructure at the ski area.”
The conservation measures include replacement of Cannon’s main-trunk power line and upgrading the transformer; construction of a mid-mountain snowmaking booster pump house; installation of 388 high efficiency tower snowmaking guns, and lighting and weatherization upgrades.
The ski area’s aging primary power line will be replaced and select primary and secondary transformers will be upgraded, increasing power reliability and energy efficiency.
The pump house will move 50 percent more water to reach snowmaking trails on the upper mountain, increasing snowmaking capabilities on the upper slopes. The snowmaking tower guns replace older, less efficient equipment, providing the greatest energy savings and operational efficiency on the mountain.
The project is funded through the state’s energy performance contract. Savings from the reduction in energy will be used to pay off the bond within 16 years.
Cannon Mountain, located in Franconia Notch State Park, is owned and operated by the State of New Hampshire, Division of Parks and Recreation. The ski area has 95 trails and glades including the Mittersill slopes, plus 11 lifts. For more information call 603-823-8800, email: info@cannonmt.com; log onto www.cannonmt.com or visit its Facebook page.
Tags: Cannon Mountain, Commissioner Jeffrey Rose, Energy efficiency, NH Division of Parks and Recreation