Avangrid and SmartestEnergy Sign Landmark Power Deal for Two New Hampshire Wind Projects
Avangrid, Inc., a leading sustainable energy company and part of the global Iberdrola Group, has announced a major new agreement with SmartestEnergy, a global provider of renewable energy solutions for businesses. The deal secures offtake from two of Avangrid’s existing wind projects in New Hampshire—Lempster and Groton—which together total 72 megawatts (MW) of capacity.
Under the agreement, SmartestEnergy will receive the full output from both projects. This marks the first collaboration between the two companies, setting the stage for a relationship that reflects both parties’ shared commitment to expanding renewable energy use, strengthening community benefits, and ensuring long-term reliability of clean power in the northeastern United States.
A New Chapter in Renewable Energy Collaboration
Announcing the agreement, Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda emphasized the importance of managing the company’s existing renewable assets to continue providing value over their full lifetimes.
“We are happy to partner with SmartestEnergy for power from these two energy projects in New Hampshire,” Miranda said. “At a time when demand for power is growing rapidly, this demonstrates our proactive approach to managing Avangrid’s existing fleet of energy projects to ensure they continue to benefit the community through their lifetime and generate reliable electricity for homes and businesses in the Northeast.”
The CEO’s remarks underscore a reality facing the U.S. energy sector today: demand for power is growing quickly due to the electrification of transportation, heating, and industrial processes, as well as the surging power needs of data centers and artificial intelligence technologies. Agreements like this ensure that existing renewable infrastructure continues to play a vital role in meeting that demand while reinforcing grid reliability and advancing the clean energy transition.
For SmartestEnergy, the deal highlights its role as a trusted partner for renewable generators. Andy Cormie, CEO of SmartestEnergy, described the agreement as an opportunity to demonstrate the company’s ability to create strong market pathways for renewable power.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Avangrid on the Lempster and Groton projects. Securing the full offtake from these long-standing New Hampshire wind assets demonstrates the trust and commitment Avangrid has in SmartestEnergy to provide a reliable and competitive route to market for their wind assets,” Cormie said. “This agreement reflects our continued focus on building strong partnerships that drive long-term value for communities and the clean energy transition.”
The Lempster and Groton Projects: New Hampshire’s Wind Legacy
The two projects covered by the agreement hold a special place in New Hampshire’s renewable energy landscape.
- Lempster Wind Farm
Located in Sullivan County, the Lempster project came online in 2008. With a capacity of 24 MW, it was the first modern, commercial-scale wind farm in the state, helping to pave the way for further renewable energy development in the region. - Groton Wind Farm
Commissioned in 2012, the Groton project is a 48 MW wind farm in Grafton County. Together with Lempster, it represents a significant contribution to New Hampshire’s renewable energy generation, helping to diversify the state’s energy mix.
Between them, these projects not only generate clean power but also provide direct economic benefits. They support 10 permanent jobs related to operations and maintenance and have been steady contributors to state and local tax revenues. In 2023 alone, the two facilities paid a combined $1.8 million in taxes, while over their operational lifetimes, they have delivered nearly $30 million in total tax contributions. This revenue has supported essential community services, schools, and infrastructure.
Strengthening the Clean Energy Transition in the Northeast
The Northeast has emerged as a crucial region for renewable energy development in the U.S., with growing commitments to decarbonization from both state governments and utilities. States such as Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut have set aggressive renewable portfolio standards and climate goals. New Hampshire, while somewhat slower in adopting clean energy mandates, still benefits from projects like Lempster and Groton that supply renewable electricity to the broader regional grid managed by ISO New England.
This new contract ensures that power from these projects will continue to reach consumers in a structured and reliable way, with SmartestEnergy acting as the offtaker. By doing so, it provides a clear signal of market confidence in the long-term viability of wind energy projects, even as the industry faces challenges from fluctuating commodity prices, supply chain constraints, and evolving federal and state policy frameworks.
Why This Agreement Matters
This deal may appear modest compared to the gigawatt-scale offshore wind projects currently being proposed along the U.S. East Coast, but its significance lies in a few key areas:
- Long-Term Value of Existing Assets
Renewable energy isn’t just about building new capacity. Maintaining and maximizing the value of projects that have been operating for over a decade is critical. This contract demonstrates how older wind farms can continue to deliver value through strategic partnerships. - Market Confidence
By securing the full offtake from Lempster and Groton, Avangrid ensures price stability and certainty of demand. For SmartestEnergy, it means further strengthening its role as a bridge between renewable generators and end users who seek clean power. - Community and Economic Impact
The tax revenues and local jobs supported by these projects highlight the lasting community benefits of renewable infrastructure. Unlike fossil fuel plants that face declining lifespans under climate policies, wind farms like Lempster and Groton offer sustainable, ongoing value to local communities. - Regional Energy Security
New England faces unique energy security challenges, including reliance on imported natural gas during winter months. Local renewable projects reduce exposure to fuel price volatility and contribute to a more stable, resilient grid.
Avangrid’s Broader Role in U.S. Renewables
Avangrid, headquartered in Orange, Connecticut, is one of the leading clean energy companies in the United States. As a member of the Iberdrola Group, a global leader in renewable energy, Avangrid operates a diverse portfolio that includes wind, solar, and other clean energy technologies. The company also manages regulated utilities serving millions of customers in New York and New England.
Its commitment to renewable energy development has placed it at the forefront of major U.S. initiatives, including large-scale onshore and offshore wind projects. Avangrid’s partnerships and contracts, such as the one announced with SmartestEnergy, illustrate how the company balances large, forward-looking projects with the careful stewardship of existing assets.
SmartestEnergy’s Expanding U.S. Presence
SmartestEnergy, meanwhile, has been expanding its U.S. operations as businesses and utilities increasingly seek renewable power solutions. Known globally for offering flexible and innovative approaches to energy trading and procurement, SmartestEnergy helps bridge the gap between renewable generators and the commercial and industrial sectors that are under pressure to reduce carbon emissions.
By securing the full offtake from Lempster and Groton, SmartestEnergy not only strengthens its U.S. portfolio but also reinforces its commitment to providing market access for renewable energy projects of all sizes.
