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 regarding the March 1, 2022 filing and the introduction of new criteria for evaluating cost effectiveness. Specifically, the commission is now required to use the Granite State Test as the primary assessment method, supplemented by 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 develop new tests through an adjudicative process, provided that any changes are approved at least 12 months before the start of a new triennium period.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that in its reviews, the commission must use benefit per unit cost as one of the factors in determining 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