It’s important to note that these materials are generally considered “waste.” In previous years, brush and unused scrap vegetation were typically left to decay on the forest floor after tree harvesting. Over time, these unhealthy trees could become dominant and obstruct the growth of healthy trees. In modern forestry practices, biomass materials are removed so that the forest floor can be properly prepared for reforestation. While these organic materials have little or no commercial value, they can be used as a convenient, economical, and — most importantly — clean fuel source. By creating a market for these less healthy trees, PSNH is helping foresters and landowners grow a more healthy and productive forest.

Wood: A Renewable Energy Source
Unlike fossil fuels, biomass fuel is a sustainable and renewable energy source. By employing responsible forestry management practices, forests can be harvested, regenerated and reharvested within 15-20 years. Coal and oil, by contrast, have finite supplies. Taking advantage of wood as a renewable energy source creates a practical alternative energy supply, and reduces our state’s vulnerability to economic instability in the fossil fuel market.