This bill aims to extend the net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects in New Hampshire, addressing the challenges faced by municipalities in constructing distributed energy resources. It recognizes that unforeseen interconnection delays have created a backlog of projects, which risks their economic viability as the current net metering regulations terminate in 2040. To ensure that municipalities can benefit from the intended advantages of group net metering established by House Bill 315 in 2021, the bill proposes a new net metering term of 20 years for municipal projects, thereby restoring the original intent of the previous legislation.

The bill amends RSA 362-A:9 by inserting a new paragraph that mandates electric distribution utilities to offer alternative tariffs for net metering to eligible customer-generators. Specifically, it states that any eligible customer-generator who submitted an interconnection application by the effective date of this amendment will remain eligible for net metering compensation for either 15 years from the first year of compensation or until December 31, 2040, whichever is longer. This legislative change is designed to provide the necessary financial stability for municipal energy projects, ensuring they can proceed and deliver the promised benefits to local communities. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage and is noted to have no fiscal impact on state, county, or local expenditures or revenue.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 362-A:9
As Amended by the Senate: 362-A:9
As Amended by the House: 362-A:9
SB538 text: 362-A:9