This bill, SB 228-FN, amends existing laws in New Hampshire concerning community solar projects and net energy metering, with a focus on enhancing accessibility for low-moderate income households. Key provisions include the introduction of size limits for low-moderate income community solar projects, now defined as having a total peak generating capacity of up to and including 3 megawatts, and an increase in the total nameplate capacity rating for these projects from 6 megawatts to 18 megawatts. The bill also expands the definition of "political subdivision" to include not-for-profits and "municipal host" to encompass nonprofit educational institutions and public housing authorities, while removing previous specifications about special purpose entities. Additionally, it allows group net metering members to enter agreements with multiple group hosts, provided their combined load does not exceed their total load.

Further changes include raising the capacity threshold for net energy metering requirements from 100 kilowatts to 500 kilowatts and stipulating that customer-generators who are group members can offset their electric utility bill charges only after accounting for their on-site generation. The bill mandates that compensation for surplus generation must not exceed the total costs of the group members, ensuring equitable distribution of financial benefits. The Department of Energy anticipates the need for a full-time Utility Analyst IV position to manage these changes, with projected costs exceeding $104,000 in FY 2026. Overall, the bill aims to improve the regulatory framework for community solar projects and promote solar energy access for low-moderate income households.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 362-A:9, 362-F:2, 362-A:1-a
As Amended by the Senate: 362-A:9, 362-F:2, 362-A:1-a