The bill mandates that public utilities must submit an integrated distribution plan to the public utilities commission. The existing subdivision heading preceding RSA 378:37, which read "Least Cost Energy Planning," is to be deleted and replaced with "Electric Utility Integrated Distribution Planning." The bill repeals and reenacts RSA 378:38 through 378:40, detailing the requirements for the integrated distribution plans for both electric and gas utilities. These plans must be filed within five years of the effective date of the section and every five years thereafter, following a schedule established by the department.
The integrated distribution plans for electric utilities must include a 10-year electric demand forecast, assessments of demand-side energy management programs, distribution infrastructure, non-wires solutions, and consistency with the state energy strategy. Similarly, gas utilities must forecast 10-year gas demand, assess demand-side energy management programs, supply options, infrastructure, non-pipeline solutions, and plan integration with the state energy strategy. The commission is required to review these plans through an adjudicative proceeding and must approve, reject, or modify them within one year of filing. If a plan is rejected, the utility has three months to amend and resubmit it. The commission may waive any requirement for good cause upon written request by a utility. The act is effective upon its passage, with an approval date of July 19, 2024.