This bill amends the assessment process for the cost effectiveness of system benefit charges by modifying existing legal language in RSA 374-F:3, VI-a(d)(4). The key changes include the removal of the phrase "For the purpose of the March 1, 2022 filing, and future plan offerings," and the introduction of new provisions that require the commission to use the Granite State Test as the primary evaluation method for cost effectiveness through 2026, with the Total Resource Cost test as a secondary measure. Additionally, the commission is granted the authority to consider modifications to the Granite State Test and to implement new tests through an adjudicative process, provided that any such changes are approved at least 12 months before the start of the relevant triennium period.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that in its reviews, the commission must use benefit per unit cost as one of the factors in assessing whether utilities have appropriately prioritized their program offerings across different customer classes. It also establishes a minimum threshold, ensuring that an electric utility's planned electric system savings do not fall below 65 percent of its overall planned annual energy savings. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374-F:3