This bill amends the structure and responsibilities of the Residential Ratepayers Advisory Board, which is tasked with overseeing the Office of the Consumer Advocate. The new language establishes that the board will consist of nine public members appointed by various officials, including the Speaker of the House, the Senate President, and the Governor and Council, each representing different interests such as residential ratepayers, the elderly, the disabled, and low-income individuals. The board is required to meet quarterly and will provide advice to the Consumer Advocate on matters concerning residential ratepayers. Additionally, the board will have the authority to recommend the reappointment or removal of the Consumer Advocate based on their performance.

The bill repeals and reenacts RSA 363:28-a, which outlines the new composition and functions of the advisory board. It specifies that members will serve three-year terms without compensation, although they will be reimbursed for mileage. The board is also mandated to elect a chairperson annually and will receive administrative support from the Office of the Consumer Advocate. The act is set to take effect 90 days after its passage and is noted to have no fiscal impact on state, county, or local expenditures or revenue.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-P:5, 12-P:16, 53-E:7, 94:1-a, 363:28-a, 363-A:2, 365:37, 369-B:2, 374-F:11
As Amended by the House: 363:28