This bill proposes the transfer of the Electric Assistance Program from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Energy. It amends existing laws to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in managing low-income assistance programs. Specifically, it changes the language in RSA 369-B:1, XIII to indicate that both the commission and the department shall design low-income programs to maximize benefits for intended beneficiaries. Additionally, a new definition for "Department" is added to RSA 369-B:2, explicitly identifying the Department of Energy.

Furthermore, the bill modifies RSA 374-F:4, VIII(c) to establish that the system benefits charge will include a specific amount to fund the electricity assistance program for low-income customers, with the Department of Energy being granted authority over the program. The department is empowered to make decisions regarding eligibility tiers, benefit levels, and administrative budgets through a non-adjudicative hearing process. The bill also allows the department to suspend the collection of the system benefits charge if the low-income program fund exceeds $1,000,000 and is unlikely to decrease significantly in the following year. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4
As Amended by the Senate: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 369-B:1, 369-B:2, 374-F:4