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 that support a competitive marketplace for electricity suppliers. It introduces the term "load reducer," which refers to distributed energy resources (DERs) that can help lower transmission and wholesale energy charges. Key legal changes include the insertion of language that defines "grid modernization" to encompass the integration of DERs and renewable resources, as well as provisions for retail market reforms that allow DER aggregators to own and install revenue meters and participate in wholesale markets. The bill also mandates that electric distribution utilities ensure accurate metering and data management to prevent double-counting of energy resources, ultimately aiming to enhance customer choice, innovation, and grid reliability.

Additionally, the bill allows municipal or county aggregations and competitive electricity suppliers to act as assigned meter readers for DERs and mandates electric distribution utilities to provide optional transmission rates based on individual customer demand. It emphasizes improved access to data and billing systems for aggregators and suppliers, requiring utilities to provide comprehensive account and meter data monthly. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Department of Energy in implementing these changes, with a deadline of November 1, 2026, for compliance. While the bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, it is expected to incur indeterminable costs for state and local governments due to necessary upgrades to utility systems, with the potential for significant financial implications for electricity rates.

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