New HampshireNew Hampshire bill would let utilities seek longer power deals with the 2 million megawatt-hour cap removed
As introduced, this bill would let New Hampshire electric utilities ask regulators to approve multi-year power deals with existing, new, or added energy sources, and drops a 2 million megawatt-hour yearly cap.
What it does
The state's utilities commission could approve long-term power agreements with existing, new, or incremental energy sources, without the 2 million megawatt-hour yearly limit.
Existing sources would include all sources now serving the regional power markets, including nuclear plants that began operating before 2011.
The state energy department or utilities could ask energy providers for proposals on long-term deals, working with other New England states.
Argument forLonger, steadier power agreements could help limit price swings, which the bill's findings say are hurting New Hampshire residents and businesses.
Argument againstDropping the yearly cap could let utilities lock customers into more long-term contracts, which might cost more if market prices later fall.
More detail
On a utility's petition, after notice and a hearing, the Public Utilities Commission may let utilities sign multi-year agreements with existing, new, or incremental energy sources. It covers New Hampshire electric distribution utilities and agreements under RSA 374-F:11. The Commission must find the agreements just and reasonable and in the public interest. The text shows the limit of 2 million megawatt hours statewide per year in brackets, meaning it would be removed. The act would take effect 60 days after it passes.
Existing electric energy sources would mean all sources now serving the New England power markets, including nuclear plants in the regional grid area that began operating before January 1, 2011. It applies to the agreements allowed under the section.
The Department of Energy, the utilities, or both could issue requests for proposals for multi-year energy agreements, and could coordinate with other New England states. The agreements could cover energy with or without its environmental attributes.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 2Interim Study Report: Not Recommended for Future Legislation 06/02/2026 (Vote 14-0; )Latest
- May 19Full Committee Work Session: 06/02/2026 09:00 am GP 229
- May 19Executive Session: 06/02/2026 09:30 am GP 229
- Jan 7Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 78
- 2025
- Nov 4Committee Report: Refer for Interim Study 10/14/2025 (Vote 16-1; CC) HC 51 P. 17
- Sep 25Full Committee Work Session: 10/14/2025 10:00 am GP 229
- Sep 25Executive Session: 10/14/2025 01:00 pm GP 229
- Apr 23Retained in Committee
- Apr 2Full Committee Work Session: 04/21/2025 10:00 am LOB 302-304
- Apr 2Executive Session: 04/21/2025 01:00 pm LOB 302-304
- Apr 2Public Hearing: 04/21/2025 09:30 am LOB 302-304
- Mar 31==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 04/14/2025 10:00 am LOB 302-304
- Mar 28Introduced (in recess of) 03/27/2025 and referred to Science, Technology and Energy HJ 11 P. 111Minor
- Mar 6Committee Amendment # 2025-0542s, AA, VV; 03/06/2025; SJ 6
- Mar 6Ought to Pass with Amendment #2025-0542s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/06/2025; SJ 6Passed Senate
- Feb 25Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2025-0542s, 03/06/2025; Vote 4-1; CC; SC 11Minor
- Feb 5Hearing: 02/11/2025, Room 103, SH, 09:20 am; SC 9
- Jan 22Introduced 01/09/2025 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 3Introduced
Environment & EnergyConsumer Protection