This bill amends the New Hampshire energy policy to enhance the state's commitment to providing affordable, reliable, diverse, and secure energy resources. The revised policy emphasizes the importance of meeting the energy needs of citizens and businesses at the lowest reasonable cost while ensuring reliability and diversity in energy sources. New legal language has been added to articulate the state's purpose in using market and regulatory mechanisms to promote these energy resources for the public's health, safety, and welfare, as well as the physical environment. The bill also outlines specific goals, including fostering a range of energy technologies, enhancing energy independence, and allowing market forces to drive the prudent use of energy resources.

Additionally, the bill introduces several new provisions that focus on energy conservation, efficiency, and maintaining an environment conducive to accurate market signals. It emphasizes the need for balancing consumer prices, energy reliability, public health, and the financial stability of utilities. The regulatory processes are also highlighted, ensuring that economic costs are weighed against the necessary level of review to protect the state's interests. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 13, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the Senate: 378:37
Version adopted by both bodies: 378:37
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 378:37