This bill proposes significant amendments to the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) by excluding technologies that produce useful thermal energy from the definition of "renewable energy source." Specifically, it deletes the reference to useful thermal energy in RSA 362-F:2, XV, and removes related provisions from RSA 362-F:3 and RSA 362-F:4. The bill also adjusts the percentage requirements for Classes I, II, III, and IV renewable energy sources, effectively reverting obligations for electricity providers to obtain Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to levels similar to those in 2015, with the exception of Class III. Notably, the bill repeals definitions and provisions related to biomass technologies producing useful thermal energy.

The fiscal impact of this bill is projected 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) that have historically contributed to the Renewable Energy Fund. The Department of Energy anticipates that the changes will lower compliance costs for electricity providers, which may be passed on to consumers. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the RPS by focusing on electricity generation while eliminating the inclusion of thermal energy technologies, thereby potentially reducing costs for both providers and ratepayers.

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