Revision: March 7, 2025, 10:48 a.m.
SB 230-FN - AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE
03/06/2025 0552s
2025 SESSION
25-1134
06/08
SENATE BILL 230-FN
AN ACT relative to electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources.
SPONSORS: Sen. Watters, Dist 4; Sen. Avard, Dist 12; Sen. Altschiller, Dist 24; Sen. Fenton, Dist 10; Sen. Perkins Kwoka, Dist 21; Sen. Long, Dist 20; Rep. Vose, Rock. 5; Rep. McGhee, Hills. 35
COMMITTEE: Energy and Natural Resources
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AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill:
I. Adds a definition of "small modular reactors" to the electric utility restructuring chapter.
II. Modifies the definition of "distributed energy resources" to include the new definition of "small modular reactors."
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
03/06/2025 0552s 25-1134
06/08
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five
AN ACT relative to electric utility restructuring and investment in distributed energy resources.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Paragraph; Electric Utility Restructuring; Definitions. Amend RSA 374-F:2 by inserting after paragraph II the following new paragraph:
II-a "Small modular reactors" or "SMRs" means advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit.
2 Electric Utility Investment in Distributed Energy Resources; Definitions. Amend RSA 374-G:2, I(b) to read as follows:
(b) "Distributed energy resources" means energy storage, electric generation equipment including clean and renewable generation, including SMRs as defined in RSA 374-F:2, II-a, energy efficiency, demand response, load reduction or control programs, or technologies or devices located on or interconnected to the local electric distribution system for purposes including but not limited to reducing line losses, supporting voltage regulation, or peak load shaving, as part of a strategy for minimizing transmission and distribution costs as provided in RSA 374-F:3, III.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
25-1134
Revised 1/30/25
SB 230-FN- FISCAL NOTE
AS INTRODUCED
AN ACT allows microgrids that are in the public interest.
FISCAL IMPACT: This bill does not provide funding.
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Estimated State Impact | ||||||
| FY 2025 | FY 2026 | FY 2027 | FY 2028 | ||
Revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Revenue Fund(s) | None | |||||
Expenditures* | $0 | $0 to under $500,000 | $0 to under $500,000 | Indeterminable | ||
Funding Source(s) | Public Utilities Commission's Budget | |||||
Appropriations* | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
Funding Source(s) | None | |||||
*Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill | ||||||
METHODOLOGY:
The bill amends existing statutes to include definitions for "small modular reactors" (SMRs) and "microgrids," providing a framework for their approval, construction, and operation. It also outlines the responsibilities and restrictions of individuals or entities building microgrids, emphasizes renewable energy sources, and establishes Public Utilities Commission (PUC) oversight for new microgrid projects to ensure reliability, security, and consumer protection.
The Public Utilities Commission states this bill could result in a fiscal impact ranging from no impact to up to $500,000 annually, depending on the volume of microgrid applications submitted. A significant number of applications may require hiring additional staff, such as analysts or attorneys, to manage the increase in adjudicative dockets, similar to the workload increases experienced with community power plan reviews. These additional staff members would increase the Commission's operating budget. However, if interest in microgrid creation remains low, the Commission believes the fiscal impact would be minimal.
It is assumed any additional expenditures for FY 2028 and forward would be included in the PUC's budget request for FY 2028 and FY 2029.
The Department of Energy states this bill will have not impact on their expenditures or revenues.
AGENCIES CONTACTED:
Department of Energy and Public Utilities Commission