community development

USDA Rural Development is a federal agency focused on the needs of rural communities. USDA-RD offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing; health care; first responder services and equipment; and water, electric and communications infrastructure. It also provides technical assistance to help cities and towns undertake community empowerment programs.

RSA 53-E, relative to aggregation of electric customers by municipalities and counties, was updated in 2019 by the passage of Senate Bill 286, known as the "Community Power Law." This legislation enables local governments (cities, towns, and counties) to procure and provide electricity on behalf of their residents and businesses.