The bill, HB 755-FN, seeks to modernize New Hampshire's electric utility market by revising the definition of "grid modernization" to include cost-effective measures for integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable generation with the electric grid. It introduces a new definition for "load reducer," which refers to DERs that can help lower transmission and capacity charges. The legislation emphasizes the need for retail market reforms to enhance competition among electricity suppliers, enabling them to offer innovative pricing and services, such as time-varying rates and net metering, which are currently limited for residential and small to mid-sized customers. Additionally, the bill mandates changes to retail metering and utility settlement processes to facilitate the participation of DER aggregators in wholesale markets, allowing them to own and install revenue meters and serve as assigned meter readers. Moreover, the bill outlines provisions for municipal and county aggregations and competitive electricity suppliers to manage DERs effectively. Key insertions include allowing these aggregations and suppliers to own and install revenue meters and serve as assigned meter readers for qualifying load reducers. The bill also requires electric distribution utilities to provide optional transmission rates based on individual customer demand and to compensate DERs for avoided regional network service (RNS) transmission charges, while excluding compensation for avoided local network service charges. It sets a deadline for implementing these provisions by November 1, 2026, and establishes a framework for cost recovery for utilities complying with the new requirements. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate the integration of DERs into the energy market while ensuring fair compensation and operational efficiency, although it does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, and the financial impact on electricity rates remains uncertain.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374-F:2
HB755 text: 374-F:2