Revision: Feb. 15, 2024, 10:09 a.m.
Rep. Caplan, Merr. 8
February 13, 2024
2024-0663h
05/08
Amendment to HB 1431
Amend RSA 378:38, III - VI as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
III. An assessment of distribution infrastructure necessary to ensure a reliable and resilient electric system capable of meeting the forecasted customer demand.
IV. An assessment of potential non-wires solutions, consistent with the utility’s non-wires alternative framework on file with the commission.
V. An assessment of the plan’s integration and consistency with the state energy strategy authorized under RSA 12-P.
Amend RSA 378:39 - 378:40 as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following:
378:39 Submission of Integrated Gas Distribution Plans to the Commission. Each gas public utility, as defined by RSA 362:2, shall file an integrated gas distribution plan, which includes the utility’s planning processes, standards and methodologies, that serve as the foundation to establish all the applicable programs necessary to improve cost effectiveness, reliability, and resilience, and to achieve the state energy policy of RSA 378:37. Plans must be filed with the commission within 5 years of the previous plan’s approval. Such plans shall include:
I. A comprehensive forecast of 10-year gas demand for the utility’s service area.
II. An assessment of demand-side energy management programs, including energy efficiency programs authorized by RSA 374-F:3, VI-a, and other energy efficiency, conservation, and load management programs, with the intent of maximizing the benefits of such programs.
III. An assessment of supply options including owned capacity, market procurements, and renewable energy.
IV. An assessment of infrastructure necessary to ensure a cost-effective, reliable, and resilient gas system capable of meeting the forecasted customer demand and the state energy policy of RSA 378:37.
V. An assessment of potential non-pipelines solutions.
VI. An assessment of the plan’s integration and consistency with the state energy strategy authorized under RSA 12-P.
378:40 Integrated Distribution Plans Required; Commission Review.
I. The commission shall conduct an adjudicative proceeding for the purpose of reviewing an integrated distribution plan under this subdivision. For this purpose, the commission shall within 10 days of receiving such a plan, provide the public notice requires of such proceedings pursuant to RSA 541-A:31, III. The commission shall either approve, reject, or modify the plan in no more than one year after the plan is filed. Should the commission reject a plan it will provide sufficient specificity as to how the plan does not meet the requirements of this statute and give the utility adequate opportunity to remedy the plan. The utility will have 3 months to amend and resubmit the plan for approval, and the commission shall approve, reject, or modify the amended plan within four weeks of resubmission. This process using this timing will repeat until a plan is approved. Until the new plan is approved the previously approved plan will remain in effect.
II. The commission, by order, may waive for good cause any requirement of this subdivision upon written request by a utility.
378:41 Standard for Approval. The commission shall after notice and hearing accept and approve an integrated distribution plan upon a finding that the plan satisfies the requirements set forth in RSA 378:38.