relative to utility rate increases to inflation-adjusted thresholds and performance incentive metrics for utilities.

SB 597 caps annual electric utility rate increases at 4% above inflation, preventing excessive hikes for New Hampshire residents. It requires the Public Utilities Commission to develop performance-based incentives tied to specific metrics like service reliability, customer satisfaction, grid modernization, and reducing peak demand. The Commission must complete an initial review within one year to establish these incentives and update them every four years. This bill directly affects electric utilities and their customers in New Hampshire, where high utility costs have been a longstanding concern.