This bill proposes a significant shift in regulatory authority from the public utilities commission to the department of energy in New Hampshire. Key changes include the prohibition of unauthorized telecommunications services, the protection of ratepayer communication preferences, and the refinement of net energy metering procedures. The bill amends existing laws by replacing references to the "commission" with "department," thereby transferring responsibilities such as the authority to withdraw telecommunications service authorization in cases of slamming and the adoption of rules related to ratepayer communication preferences to the department. Additionally, the department will be tasked with developing net energy metering rules and managing assessments against public utilities, with a focus on consumer protection and streamlined regulatory processes.

Furthermore, SB 108-FN introduces amendments that establish liability for entities conducting business in the state, requiring them to fulfill their financial obligations. It modifies the complaint process, allowing individuals to file formal complaints against entities under the department's jurisdiction after attempting resolution through the consumer services division. The bill also repeals certain sections of existing law, including the previous complaint process and time-based net energy metering tariffs. It clarifies the investigation and resolution process for complaints, allowing the department to utilize non-adjudicative procedures and adopt rules for handling complaints. The act is designed to enhance accountability among public utilities and ensure that the interests of municipalities and electric distribution utilities are balanced, with an effective date of 60 days post-passage and no fiscal impact on state, county, or local expenditures or revenue.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374:28-a, 374-F:4-b, 362-A:9, 363-A:3, 365:1, 365:1-a, 365:3, 53-E:7