This bill amends existing laws related to the Department of Energy, enhancing its authority and responsibilities in proceedings before the public utilities commission. Key changes include the department's establishment of full party status in all proceedings, allowing it to advocate for its position and ensuring it can demand documents and specific answers from public utilities. The bill also mandates that the department provide necessary support to the public utilities commission, site evaluation committee, and the office of the consumer advocate, as required by RSA 21-G:10.

Specific legal language changes include the insertion of provisions that grant the department the authority to investigate matters related to the statutes it administers and to appear before the commission as determined by the department. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for the department to provide "all necessary" support, replacing it with a requirement for support as specified in RSA 21-G:10. The bill also repeals a section of law regarding certain duties of the department, streamlining its responsibilities and enhancing its role in regulatory processes. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-P:2, 12-P:3, 12-P:5, 12-P:10
As Amended by the House: 12-P:2, 12-P:3, 12-P:5, 12-P:10