This bill introduces significant updates to New Hampshire's energy regulations, particularly focusing on advanced nuclear resources (ANR) and community solar projects. It defines "advanced nuclear resource" and includes it alongside renewable energy sources for utility services. The bill outlines new guidelines for investments in distributed electric generation and clarifies the responsibilities of the coordinator of nuclear development, which now includes public safety outreach programs. Additionally, it permits electric distribution utilities to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for multi-year energy agreements, either independently or in collaboration with other New England states.

Key changes include increasing the capacity limit for community solar projects aimed at low-moderate income households from 6 megawatts to 18 megawatts and allowing group net metering members to enter agreements with multiple hosts, as long as their total load does not exceed their capacity. The bill expands the definition of "political subdivision" to include public housing authorities and nonprofit educational institutions, enhancing their eligibility for group net metering participation. It also raises the peak generating capacity threshold for certain metering requirements from 100 kilowatts to 500 kilowatts. Furthermore, the bill extends the deadline for investor-owned electric distribution utilities to issue RFPs for purchased power agreements from 2025 to 2040, allowing for multi-year agreements for energy from various sources, with advanced nuclear resources permitted to procure a higher amount of energy compared to other sources. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 362-A:9, 362-A:1-a, 374-F:2, 362-F:2, 374-F:11
As Amended by the Senate: 362-A:9, 362-A:1-a, 374-F:2, 362-F:2, 374-F:11
SB447 text: 162-B:4, 362-A:9, 362-A:1-a, 374-F:2, 362-F:2, 374-F:11