Revision: April 23, 2024, 3:16 p.m.
Energy and Natural Resources
April 23, 2024
2024-1612s
05/08
Amendment to HB 1431
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 Subdivision Heading; Electric Utility Integrated Distribution Planning. Amend the subdivision heading preceding RSA 378:37 to read as follows:
[Least Cost Energy Planning]
Electric Utility Integrated Distribution Planning
2 Electric Utility Integrated Distribution Planning. RSA 378:38 through 378:40 are repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
378:38 Submission of Plans to the Commission. Within 5 years of the effective date of this section, pursuant to a schedule established by the department, each electric utility, as defined by RSA 362:2, shall file an integrated distribution plan, which includes the utility’s planning processes, standards and methodologies, that serve as the foundation to establish all the applicable distribution programs necessary to improve reliability and resilience, grid modernization and grid capacity to enable electrification for its residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Plans shall 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 electric 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 load management programs, with the intent of maximizing the cost-effective benefits of such programs.
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.
378:39 Submission of Integrated Gas Distribution Plans to the Commission. Within 5 years of the effective date of this section, pursuant to a schedule established by the department, 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. Plans shall 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 cost-effective 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.
V. An assessment of potential non-pipeline 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 required for such proceedings under 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. If the commission rejects a plan, it shall 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 shall have 3 months to amend and resubmit the plan for approval, and the commission shall approve, reject, or modify the amended plan within 12 weeks of resubmission. This process and timeline shall be repeated until a plan is approved. The previously approved plan shall remain in effect until the new plan is approved.
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 or RSA 378:39, as applicable.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.