Energy (Solar)

HB 1741 requires New Hampshire electric utilities to create programs that coordinate customer-owned distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, batteries, and smart thermostats to support the grid. Utilities must file proposals with the Public Utilities Commission for enrollment programs offering upfront payments and performance-based payments during grid events, with special incentives for low-income customers. The bill establishes rules for aggregators (third-party coordinators) and direct customer participation, including payment structures, equipment requirements, and restrictions on penalties. It aims to reduce peak demand, lower costs for ratepayers, and improve grid reliability by integrating existing DERs into utility-managed systems.

HB 1542 sets all renewable energy fund compliance payments (the fees electric providers pay if they can't meet renewable energy requirements) to $0, effective January 1, 2027. This eliminates the primary revenue source for New Hampshire's Renewable Energy Fund (REF), which currently funds programs like low-income solar initiatives, non-residential renewable grants, and community solar projects. The fiscal note states this change would reduce annual REF revenue by approximately $6.7 million starting in 2028, causing all REF-funded programs and nine state positions supporting renewable energy compliance to cease without new legislative funding. The bill directly affects electric service providers (by removing compliance penalties), state programs, and low-income communities relying on REF-funded solar projects.

SB 540 defines "portable solar generation devices" as movable solar units under 1,200 watts that plug into standard home outlets to offset personal electricity use. The bill exempts these devices from utility interconnection rules and net metering requirements, while requiring safety standards like anti-islanding protection (UL 1741/IEEE 1547) and compliance with building codes. Electric utilities cannot demand approval, fees, or extra equipment for compliant devices, and the bill limits utility liability for customer-installed devices. This directly affects homeowners using small portable solar systems, simplifying their installation without utility oversight.

HB 1718 authorizes residential and commercial customers with renewable energy systems (like solar panels) to add battery storage without affecting their eligibility for net metering. The bill updates definitions to clarify that energy storage charged solely from renewable sources does not count toward the 1-megawatt size limit for net metering eligibility. It grants the Department of Energy rulemaking authority for customer energy storage systems and gives the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) the power to set compensation terms for energy exported from storage systems. This bill directly affects homeowners and businesses using renewable energy who want to install battery storage to use more of their own generated power. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment with no state funding impact.

HB 1723 requires all electric utilities and grid operators in New Hampshire to assess and report vulnerabilities of high-voltage transformers (100 kV+ and 25 MVA+) to geomagnetic disturbances (like solar storms) and electromagnetic pulses. By January 2027, covered entities must conduct technical assessments using specific international standards, evaluating risks like transformer saturation and insulation damage. They must then submit detailed reports to state agencies by 180 days after enactment, including transformer specifications, manufacturing origins, and recommended protection measures. This aims to safeguard critical grid infrastructure from potential widespread power outages caused by natural or man-made electromagnetic events.

HB 1271 clarifies definitions and expands the use of third-party inspectors for building permits in New Hampshire, primarily affecting property owners and contractors installing solar energy systems. The bill defines "approved agencies" (including engineers, architects, and licensed electricians) to review construction documents and inspect buildings, including solar photovoltaic arrays and battery storage. It requires municipalities to grant approved agencies equal access to permit documents and mandates acceptance of solar applications submitted through an online "instant permitting platform," which automatically approves applications unless deficiencies are noted within 5 business days. This streamlines solar project approvals while maintaining state code compliance oversight.