This bill, HB 535-FN, seeks to redefine the regulatory framework governing public utilities in New Hampshire by clarifying the roles of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Department of Energy. It establishes that the PUC will handle adjudicative proceedings related to rates, charges, tariffs, and services provided by public utilities, while the Department of Energy will assume primary supervisory authority over public utilities. Key changes include the insertion of language that mandates the PUC's approval of settlement agreements in contested cases involving the Department of Energy and the Office of the Consumer Advocate, unless any provision is found to be contrary to law. The bill also removes overlapping authorities, such as the PUC's ability to inspect public utility properties and oversee capital improvements, which are now solely assigned to the Department of Energy.

Additionally, the bill introduces new procedural requirements that necessitate the Department of Energy to formally petition the PUC for corrective actions when utilities are non-compliant, potentially leading to increased litigation and resource demands. The anticipated need for three additional staff positions within the Department is expected to result in increased expenditures of approximately $434,000 for FY 2026 and $440,000 in subsequent years. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the regulatory process, enhance efficiency, and ensure just utility services while also increasing operational costs for the Department of Energy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 363:1, 365:6, 365:7, 374:3, 374:4, 374:5, 374:7, 374:18, 365:19