New HampshireNew Hampshire requires a future grid-risk study, dependent on funding
From September 1, 2027, New Hampshire’s Department of Energy must study grid risks from solar storms and electromagnetic disturbances, with authority dependent on sufficient funding.
What it does
From September 1, 2027, New Hampshire’s Department of Energy must study power-grid risks and recommend responses. Its authority to carry out this work depends on sufficient funding.
From September 1, 2027, study data must follow security rules. Public reports must leave out location and purpose details, and sensitive technical information must remain confidential.
Argument forIf sufficiently funded, the investigation could help officials compare grid weaknesses, protection options, and costs before deciding on further spending.
Argument againstRemoving grid locations from public reports could make it harder for residents to judge whether recommendations address risks near them.
More detail
New Hampshire’s Department of Energy must investigate power-grid risks and report its findings and recommendations. The study covers power transmission transformers and other grid equipment. The department can request information from public utilities about transmission equipment in New Hampshire. Reports go to state lawmakers, emergency officials, federal energy officials, and the regional grid operator. The department’s authority to investigate and carry out the law depends on sufficient funding for the two-year budget period ending June 30, 2029. The study must review earlier studies, protection methods, further study costs, funding options, and the state’s role. The law takes effect September 1, 2027. The department must begin within 120 days of that date, finish within 12 months of starting, and issue its report when the investigation ends.
The Department of Energy must protect sensitive grid information and remove location and purpose details from public reports. Security rules apply to all data submitted for the investigation, including engineering, vulnerability, and design details about energy infrastructure. Confidentiality rules cover sensitive technical details whose unauthorized release could threaten energy infrastructure and help someone attack or harm it.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 16Signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte Ayotte 07/10/2026; Chapter 310; eff. 9/1/2027Became Law
- Jul 1Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 56To Governor
- Jun 30Enrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15Minor
- Jun 17Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2158e: AA VV (in recess of) 06/04/2026 HJ 15 P. 48
- Jun 17Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2026-2158e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/04/2026); SJ 14Major
- May 21House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1811s and 2026-1307s (Rep. Vose): MA DV 186-153 05/20/2026 HJ 14 P. 22
- May 14Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1811s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/14/2026; SJ 12Passed Senate
- May 14Sen. Watters Floor Amendment # 2026-1811s, AA, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
- May 14Sen. Watters Moved Ought to Pass; 05/14/2026; SJ 12
- May 14Refer to Interim Study, MF, VV; 05/14/2026; SJ 12Minor
- May 7Committee Report: Referred to Interim Study, 05/14/2026, Vote 7-0; SC 18
- May 7Special Order to 05/14/2026, Without Objection, MA; 05/07/2026 SJ 11
- May 7HB 1723 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 05/07/2026; SJ 11
- Apr 24Committee Report: Referred to Interim Study, 05/07/2026; Vote 7-0; CC; SC 17
- Apr 9Committee Amendment # 2026-1307s, AA, VV; 04/09/2026; SJ 8
- Apr 9Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1307s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 04/09/2026; SJ 8Minor
- Apr 2Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1307s, 04/09/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 13Minor
- Mar 26Hearing: 03/31/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:00 am; SC 12
- Mar 17Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 7Minor
- Mar 12Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0935h: MA VV 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 65Passed House
- Mar 12Amendment # 2026-0935h: AA VV 03/12/2026 HJ 8 P. 63
- Mar 4Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
- Mar 4Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0935h 03/03/2026 (Vote 13-3; RC) HC 10 P. 72Minor
- Feb 18==CONTINUED== Executive Session: 03/03/2026 10:00 am GP 159
- Feb 12==RECESSED== Executive Session: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 229
- Jan 29Subcommittee Work Session: 02/02/2026 10:30 am GP 229
- Jan 8Public Hearing: 01/14/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
- 2025
- Dec 17Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Science, Technology and Energy HJ 1 P. 33Introduced
Environment & Energy