This bill amends existing laws to enhance the role of the consumer advocate in proceedings related to the site evaluation committee, particularly concerning residential utility consumers. It expands the definition of "material interest" to explicitly include the interests represented by the consumer advocate, thereby ensuring that the consumer advocate can actively participate in relevant proceedings. The bill modifies RSA 363:28, II to allow the consumer advocate to engage in matters concerning rates, charges, tariffs, facilities, and consumer services, thereby broadening their authority to represent residential utility consumers.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 162-H:7-b, III to clarify that state agencies wishing to participate in proceedings must demonstrate a material interest, which now explicitly encompasses the interests represented by the consumer advocate. This change aims to ensure that the consumer advocate's perspective is considered in the evaluation and decision-making processes of the site evaluation committee. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 363:28, 162-H:7-b