Energy

HB 1534 clarifies how electric utilities recover costs related to default service - the safety-net option for customers who don’t choose a provider. It requires utilities to recover costs (including those from renewable energy compliance) through approved default service rates, ensuring past under- or over-collections are addressed in future rates for the same service tier. The bill also allows the utility commission to implement measures discouraging long-term use of default service, with any revenue from such measures used to offset stranded costs. This directly affects customers on default service plans and utilities managing these rates.

SB 518 streamlines approval for specific electric transmission line upgrades by creating a "qualified transmission asset replacement project" category. It applies to utility companies replacing 5% or more poles/towers on existing lines within 5 years without increasing pole height, tower width, or corridor size. The bill requires applications to include detailed project descriptions, financial plans, and public notices, while giving the energy department automatic party status in reviews. This modifies the site evaluation process to expedite projects meeting strict criteria, directly affecting utilities planning eligible transmission line replacements in New Hampshire.

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.

HB 1028 updates New Hampshire's legal definition of "renewable generation facility" to explicitly include energy produced from bio-oil, bio-synthetic gas, and biodiesel (as defined in RSA 362-A:1-a). This change directly affects renewable energy projects seeking tax benefits under RSA 72:73, particularly those using these biofuels. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, clarifying which facilities qualify for related tax provisions.