This bill amends RSA 374-G to broaden its scope by allowing investments in natural gas and nuclear technologies, which are deemed essential for enhancing grid reliability. It permits electric utilities to own or invest in these resources, capped at 10 percent of their total distribution peak load. Utilities seeking to recover costs for these investments must file with the Public Utilities Commission, which will evaluate the public interest of such investments. The bill also repeals previous limitations on utility-funded generation equipment and investment restrictions, specifically removing RSA 374-G:3, V and RSA 374-G:4, III.

In addition to expanding investment eligibility, 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 projected 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. While the bill's expansion of eligible investments could have fiscal implications for future utility construction in New Hampshire, the Department of Revenue Administration cannot provide a precise fiscal impact estimate due to uncertainties surrounding the timing and scale of these investments. However, the repeal of the aforementioned sections is not expected to affect state revenues.

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