The bill mandates the Department of Energy to conduct an investigation into the facilitation of both behind-the-meter energy storage and utility-scale energy storage within the state. It introduces a new definition for "Department" as the Department of Energy in RSA 374-H:1 and repeals and reenacts RSA 374-H:3 to outline the specifics of the investigation. The investigation will consider public policy, investment encouragement, regulatory challenges, best practices from other jurisdictions, and necessary statutory or regulatory changes for both types of energy storage. The Department is required to report its findings and recommendations to the relevant legislative committees by December 30, 2025, for behind-the-meter energy storage, and by December 30, 2026, for utility-scale energy storage. The bill also allows the Department to engage consultants and assess electric distribution utilities for the cost, which is expected to be around $125,000 for each fiscal year 2025 and 2026.

The fiscal note indicates that there is no impact on state, county, or local revenue or expenditures, except for the revenue and expenditures related to the Electric Utility Assessment, which is expected to increase by $125,000 in FY 2025 and FY 2026 to cover the costs of the investigation. The bill does not authorize new positions and is considered to provide sufficient funding to cover the estimated expenditures. The Department of Energy has experience with similar investigations, which typically cost around $250,000. The Public Utilities Commission states that the bill will have no fiscal impact on the Commission and has no information on any potential fiscal impact at the county or local level. The act will take effect upon its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374-H:1
As Amended by the Senate: 374-H:1