The bill HB 281-FN proposes significant changes to the laws regulating energy utilities and policies. It repeals the requirement for electric and natural gas utilities to submit least cost integrated resource plans to the public utilities commission, thus removing the commission's oversight of these plans. The definition of "municipal host" under the Limited Electrical Energy Producers Act is modified to allow for group members to be located within the same utility franchise service territory, even if not in the same municipality. The bill also mandates that the Department of Energy provide customers with an estimated annual cost of compliance with electric renewable portfolio standards on their electric bills and repeals the establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board, transferring some of its responsibilities to the Department of Energy. Changes to the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Committee's permitting process are made, including amendments to definitions and the responsibilities of the committee, with insertions and deletions to clarify the committee's role.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "energy facility" to include a wider range of energy-related structures and facilities, and it renumbers certain sections of the existing law. The application process for certificates is amended to require sufficient information for state agency requirements and to establish a 60-day deadline for the committee to accept applications. The bill also modifies the public hearing process, allowing for joint hearings with other agencies, and shifts the responsibility for monitoring compliance with certificates from the committee to the department. Enforcement powers are detailed, including the authority for the department to inspect premises and records. The bill establishes a special fund for the committee's operating costs and allows the department to engage additional support, with costs charged to the applicant or energy facility owner. The act is approved on August 08, 2023, and will take effect on October 07, 2023.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 362-A:1-a, 378:49, 12-P:2, 374-F:3, 125-O:5-a, 162-H:2, 162-H:4, 162-H:7, 162-H:8, 162-H:10, 162-H:12, 162-H:13, 162-H:16, 162-H:21, 162-H:7-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 362-A:1-a, 378:49, 12-P:2, 374-F:3, 125-O:5-a, 162-H:2, 162-H:4, 162-H:7, 162-H:8, 162-H:10, 162-H:12, 162-H:13, 162-H:16, 162-H:21, 162-H:7-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 362-A:1-a, 378:49, 12-P:2, 374-F:3, 125-O:5-a, 162-H:2, 162-H:4, 162-H:7, 162-H:8, 162-H:10, 162-H:12, 162-H:13, 162-H:16, 162-H:21, 162-H:7-a