This bill proposes a significant shift in regulatory authority from the public utilities commission to the department of energy, particularly concerning telecommunications services and consumer protections. Key changes include the prohibition of unauthorized telecommunications service provision and the establishment of customer communication preferences, as mandated by the newly amended RSA 374-F:4-b. The bill replaces references to the "commission" with the "department of energy," thereby transferring the responsibility for handling complaints and assessments to the department. Additionally, RSA 365:1 is revised to allow any individual to file formal complaints with the department regarding violations by entities under its jurisdiction.

The bill also introduces new provisions for the department to investigate and resolve complaints through non-adjudicative procedures, as outlined in the newly enacted RSA 365:2. It clarifies that if a jurisdictional entity provides reparations for any alleged injury, the department may not need to take further action on the complaint. Furthermore, unresolved complaints may be dismissed by the department or transferred to the commission for further proceedings. The bill also establishes regulations for municipal and county aggregators, ensuring that complaints against them or electric distribution utilities are managed by the department. Notably, it repeals RSA 362-A:9, XVIII, which removes limitations on net metering, and sets the effective date of the act for 60 days post-passage, expected to be September 30, 2025.

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
As Amended by the Senate: 374-F:4-b, 362-A:9, 363-A:3, 365:1, 365:1-a, 365:3, 53-E:7
As Amended by the House: 374-F:4-b, 363-A:3, 365:1, 365:1-a, 365:3, 53-E:7, 362-A:9
Version adopted by both bodies: 374-F:4-b, 363-A:3, 365:1, 365:1-a, 365:3, 53-E:7, 362-A:9
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 374-F:4-b, 363-A:3, 365:1, 365:1-a, 365:3, 53-E:7, 362-A:9