This bill proposes a significant reduction in the assessment rates for certain local exchange carriers and providers of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and IP-enabled services in New Hampshire. Specifically, it amends RSA 363-A:2, I(c) and (d) to decrease the percentage of gross utility revenue assessed from 33% to 10% for all excepted local exchange carriers and their affiliates, as well as for all providers of VoIP and IP-enabled services. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on these entities by lowering the assessment rates applied to their gross revenue received from New Hampshire retail customers.

The changes in the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and are expected to have a minimal fiscal impact, estimated to be less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028. The Department of Energy and the Public Utilities Commission have been contacted regarding this legislation, which seeks to support the growth and sustainability of VoIP and IP-enabled service providers in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 363-A:2
As Amended by the House: 363-A:2