This bill amends the state energy strategy by introducing a new subparagraph that mandates the establishment of a report section on New Hampshire's electric capacity planning. This planning will focus on the electrification of emerging sectors such as housing, transportation, technology, and data centers. The bill also stipulates that the state consult with subject matter experts every three years to provide recommendations on capacity planning. Additionally, a new section is added to the strategy that emphasizes the importance of demand-side measures, including efficiency, conservation, demand response, and load management, in meeting the state's energy needs cost-effectively.

The bill does not provide specific funding and indicates that the fiscal impact on state expenditures is indeterminable due to the unclear scope of the planning requirements. The Department of Energy has noted that while the bill requires the inclusion of capacity planning in the energy strategy, it does not specify whether this pertains to generation, distribution, or transmission needs, making it difficult to assess the necessary resources for implementation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the state's energy strategy by incorporating expert insights and a broader analysis of demand-side resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-P:7-a
HB1666 text: 12-P:7-a