This bill establishes a statewide online energy data platform aimed at enhancing consumer access to granular energy usage data, thereby promoting efficiency and consumer empowerment in New Hampshire's electric and natural gas systems. The bill incorporates new legal language, specifically defining "statewide" as applicable to all electric and natural gas utility service territories in New Hampshire. It also repeals and reenacts sections of RSA 378:51, II through IV, to align with the framework approved by the commission in Order No. 26,589 on March 2, 2022. This framework includes governance, development, implementation, and standards for data accuracy, privacy, and security.

Additionally, the bill outlines the governance structure for the platform, emphasizing a consensus decision-making model involving various stakeholders, including utilities and consumer advocates. It stipulates that utilities can only recover costs that are prudently incurred and for investments that are deemed used and useful. The Department of Energy is authorized to adopt additional rules necessary for implementation. The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, with initial cost estimates for establishing the platform ranging from $4.6 million to $7 million, and annual maintenance costs projected between $272,800 and $416,400.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 378:50