This bill amends existing laws related to the Department of Energy, enhancing its authority and responsibilities in proceedings before the public utilities commission. Key changes include granting the department full party status in all proceedings where it files a notice of participation, as opposed to the previous automatic party status. The bill also allows the department to advocate for its position and ensures it can investigate matters related to the statutes it administers. Additionally, the department is required to provide support to the public utilities commission, site evaluation committee, and the office of the consumer advocate, as specified in RSA 21-G:10.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the department to demand documents and specific answers from public utilities or related entities, establishing a timeline for compliance. It repeals certain duties previously outlined in RSA 12-P:2, III, streamlining the department's responsibilities. The changes aim to strengthen the department's role in regulatory processes and improve its ability to gather necessary information for effective oversight. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-P:2, 12-P:3, 12-P:5, 12-P:10