KENSINGTON — The town will celebrate a major clean‑energy milestone as officials “flip the switch” on a new geothermal heating and cooling system at Town Hall, marking the building’s second renewable‑energy upgrade in as many years.
The event, part of New Hampshire Energy Week, will take place May 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Kensington Town Hall. During the celebration, the town will also receive a SolSmart Bronze award from Clean Energy NH, recognizing Kensington’s commitment to solar energy and its efforts to streamline future clean‑energy development.
Town officials turned to geothermal after the HVAC system serving the Police Department failed and replacement parts were no longer available. Installing a new outdoor system wasn’t feasible, prompting the Kensington Energy Committee to conduct a full review of alternatives, including lifecycle costs, performance, maintenance needs and occupant comfort.
The upgrade marks the second major renewable‑energy investment at the historic Town Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Last year, Kensington installed solar panels on the building’s roof, becoming the first municipality in New Hampshire to complete a solar project through the state’s Municipal Solar Grant Program, funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the NH Clean Energy Fund.
The solar array is projected to save the town more than $400,000 over its lifespan and has been cited as an example of how historic preservation and clean‑energy improvements can work hand in hand.

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