This bill mandates that public utilities in New Hampshire submit annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission detailing their transmission costs, market impacts, and generation capacity, with a specific focus on risks associated with data centers. The reports must include comprehensive information on transmission costs over the past five years, the formula used to calculate charges, and a summary of the wholesale electricity market, including market volatility and its effects on ratepayers. Additionally, the bill requires utilities to assess their generation resources in relation to projected load demands and to provide recommendations on how to mitigate costs associated with data center interconnections.

The legislation also introduces new provisions for public transparency, including the establishment of a continuous docket by the Public Utilities Commission and the requirement for public hearings every three years to review the annual filings. The New Hampshire Department of Energy and the Office of the Consumer Advocate are tasked with evaluating the adequacy of the utility reports and providing recommendations within 90 days of each filing. The bill emphasizes the need for informed ratepayers and aims to ensure that electricity rates are just and reasonable, aligning with both federal and state laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 378:37
HB1724 text: 378:37