Energy (Oil & Gas)

HB 1455 establishes new criteria for energy sources used in New Hampshire state programs, requiring them to be affordable, reliable, dispatchable, and include hydrocarbons. It defines "reliable" energy as sources available on demand (dispatchable), maintaining grid stability, and including hydrocarbon-based generation like natural gas. The bill redefines "green energy" to explicitly include nuclear power and natural gas combustion, aligning with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These standards apply to all energy serving New Hampshire customers through state-funded programs, prioritizing domestic sources and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.

HB 1775 allows New Hampshire electric utilities to own or invest in natural gas and nuclear power generation facilities, up to 10% of their total peak electricity demand. Utilities must seek approval from the Public Utilities Commission for these investments and can recover costs through customer rates. The bill repeals prior restrictions on utility-funded generation equipment and expands the definition of eligible investments to include natural gas and nuclear resources. This directly affects NH utilities by changing their investment rules, with no new state funding required.

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.