This bill amends RSA 374-G to expand the scope of electric utility investments to include natural gas, hydrogen, and nuclear technologies, thereby enhancing grid reliability. It allows electric utilities to own or invest in these resources up to 10% of their peak load and enables them to seek rate recovery for such investments. Key insertions emphasize the importance of reliable, dispatchable, and controllable power generation alongside renewable energy sources, while the bill repeals previous limitations on utility-funded generation equipment and investment restrictions, facilitating greater flexibility in energy resource management.

Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of two new positions within the Commission—a full-time Utility Analyst and a full-time Attorney IV—starting in FY 2027, with estimated costs of $127,000 in FY 2027, $133,000 in FY 2028, and $140,000 in FY 2029, funded through the Utility Assessment under RSA 363-A. The bill also expands the types of utility investments eligible for rate recovery to include natural gas and nuclear resources, which may have fiscal implications depending on future utility construction in New Hampshire. The repeal of RSA 374-G:3, V and RSA 374-G:4, III is included, but the Department of Revenue Administration indicates that this repeal will not affect state revenues.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 374-G:1
As Amended by the House: 374-G:1
As Amended by the Senate: 374-G:1
HB1775 text: 374-G:1