Energy

HB 1002 repeals the property tax exemption for solar energy systems, meaning homeowners and businesses with solar installations will no longer be excluded from taxable property assessments. The bill removes specific tax code provisions (RSA 72:62 and related sections) that previously allowed solar systems to be valued separately for tax purposes. Starting April 1, 2027, solar energy systems will be included in standard property tax valuations, requiring owners to pay taxes on these systems as part of their property assessment. This change directly affects property owners who currently benefit from the exemption, shifting their tax obligation to align with standard property valuation practices.

SB 449 requires commercial or industrial entities with solar or wind systems between 1 and 5 megawatts (called "industrial hosts") to consume at least 33% of their own electricity generation annually. This applies to new systems installed after January 1, 2027, that participate in net metering. The rule does not apply to low-income customers as defined by utility regulations. The bill modifies New Hampshire's net metering rules to ensure larger systems primarily offset their own electricity use, rather than exporting excess power.

HB 1722 creates a new regulatory classification for large-energy-use electric facilities (defined as sites using 20+ megawatts at peak demand, such as data centers or processing facilities) and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a separate tariff system for them. The bill mandates that costs for serving these facilities be allocated based on their actual service costs or directly assigned to them, preventing cost-shifting to other ratepayers. It also requires 10-year contracts with specific terms, including minimum usage commitments and provisions to address early termination risks. The law aims to protect all electricity customers by ensuring large facilities pay their fair share for grid services and infrastructure.

SB 106 requires customer generators with facilities between 100 kilowatts and 5 megawatts (operational after January 1, 2023) to consume at least 20% of their own annual electricity generation through net energy metering. This applies to larger residential, commercial, or industrial systems that generate renewable energy but not to low- and moderate-income customers, who are exempt. The bill modifies existing net metering rules to allow these generators to retain their current tariff for up to 20 years or until 2040, whichever is longer. It does not create new funding but may involve utility billing system upgrades to track cross-territory energy data.