This bill proposes significant changes to the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) by removing the classification of technologies that produce useful thermal energy from the definition of "renewable energy source." Specifically, it amends RSA 362-F:2, XV to exclude "a class I source of useful thermal energy" and adjusts the percentage requirements for Classes I, II, III, and IV renewable energy sources. The bill also repeals provisions related to biomass technologies producing useful thermal energy and modifies the requirements for electricity providers, effectively reverting to standards similar to those in 2015, with the exception of Class III.

The fiscal impact of this bill is expected to result in a decrease in revenue for the state, estimated between $2.5 million and $4.5 million, primarily due to reduced Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs) and lower costs for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The Department of Energy anticipates that these changes will lead to decreased costs for electricity providers, which are likely to be passed on to consumers. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the RPS by focusing solely on electricity generation while eliminating the inclusion of thermal energy technologies, thereby simplifying compliance for electricity providers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 362-F:2, 362-F:3, 362-F:4