This bill amends New Hampshire law to allow electric distribution utilities to own, build, or operate electric generation facilities, subject to approval by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The existing prohibition on utility ownership of generation facilities, as stated in RSA 374-F:3, VI, is repealed and reenacted with new provisions. Specifically, utilities may continue to own facilities operational as of January 1, 1996, and may construct new facilities with a maximum capacity of 400 megawatts if the PUC finds that such actions serve the public interest and benefit ratepayers and taxpayers. The bill also establishes that utilities must comply with all relevant state and federal regulations and allows for long-term power purchase agreements related to these facilities.

Additionally, the bill inserts a new paragraph into RSA 374-F:1, declaring it state policy to permit limited reentry by electric utilities into the generation market when it serves the long-term interests of ratepayers and taxpayers, ensures energy reliability, and supports economic vitality. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after passage. The fiscal impact is indeterminable, with potential increases in utility costs and the need for additional staffing at the PUC to manage the increased workload associated with utility petitions for facility ownership and construction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374-F:1
SB591 text: 374-F:1