The bill, HB 610-FN, proposes the repeal of the Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA) and the transfer of its responsibilities, assets, and liabilities to the New Hampshire Department of Energy (DoE). This transition will take effect 120 days after the bill's passage, with the DoE assuming all rights, powers, duties, properties, and existing contracts of the OCA. The bill ensures that the rights of bondholders and ongoing legal actions involving the OCA remain unaffected. Additionally, it amends RSA 12-P:5 to eliminate references to the OCA and introduces a provision for the DoE to appoint a qualified consumer advocate, who will represent residential utility consumers and advocate against detrimental policies affecting utility rates.

The bill also includes significant amendments to streamline processes within the Department of Energy and the Public Utilities Commission. Key insertions involve establishing a consumer advocacy role with an assistant consumer advocate and a secretary, enhancing public awareness of Lifeline Telephone Assistance programs. The bill modifies the electric aggregation plan approval process by removing the consumer advocate's involvement while allowing public comment. It also clarifies that the DoE can hire consultants without the consumer advocate's input. Notably, the bill deletes references to the OCA in various legal contexts, including its role in cost assessments and advisory groups. The fiscal impact suggests a decrease in revenue and expenditures related to the OCA's budget, with remaining liabilities being assumed by the DoE post-repeal.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-P:5, 12-P:16, 53-E:7, 94:1-a, 363:28-a, 363-A:2, 365:37, 369-B:2, 374-F:11