Gilford's town offices, police and fire stations -- like residents of Gilford, NH -- pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country.  It could cut its own electricity bills, paid for with taxpayer dollars, if it installed solar panels on those of its roofs that are oriented to catch the sun's power.  Obviously, this costs money up front but generates long term savings in the future.  There are a variety of ways this could be funded without seeking additional resources from taxpayers.  One way is to use the town's appropriation of American Rescue Plan money.  In New Hampshire, this money was allocated to towns to use as they see fit.  And the Selectmen have said the town had no shortfall of revenue in 2021 that would require use of these "unanticipated funds" for other purposes such as health or safety.  In fact, the town revenues increased due to an influx of visitors and rising property values and tax revenue.  By statute, these funds cannot be used to lower tax rates so why not use some of them to invest in cheaper electric bills going forward?  If you think this is a good idea, please add your name to this petition.