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1 Department of Energy; Study Required.
I. The department of energy shall conduct a study of electric distribution utilities operating in New Hampshire to determine what portion of distribution costs are fixed and do not vary with a customer's electricity usage, and what portion are variable and directly related to the quantity of electricity consumed.
II. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Fixed charge" means a fee that is assessed to each customer in a rate class, without regard to kilowatt-hours consumed.
(b) "Usage-based charge" means a fee that varies according to the number of kilowatt-hours consumed during a billing period.
III. The department shall consider, but not be limited to, the following cost categories in its study:
(a) Storm recovery costs;
(b) Costs for replacement of utility poles and other infrastructure not dependent on usage; and
(c) Costs relating to capacity upgrades or additions required by increased electric demand.
IV. The department may consult with electric utilities and independent experts as needed.
V. The department shall submit a report, including recommendations, to the house science, technology and energy committee, the senate energy and natural resources committee, and the governor, no later than November 1, 2026. The report shall be made available to the public.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
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1 Department of Energy; Study Required.
I. The department of energy shall conduct a study of electric distribution utilities operating in New Hampshire to determine what portion of distribution costs are fixed and do not vary with a customer's electricity usage, and what portion are variable and directly related to the quantity of electricity consumed.
II. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Fixed charge" means a fee that is assessed to each customer in a rate class, without regard to kilowatt-hours consumed.
(b) "Usage-based charge" means a fee that varies according to the number of kilowatt-hours consumed during a billing period.
III. The department shall consider, but not be limited to, the following cost categories in its study:
(a) Storm recovery costs;
(b) Costs for replacement of utility poles and other infrastructure not dependent on usage; and
(c) Costs relating to capacity upgrades or additions required by increased electric demand.
IV. The department may consult with electric utilities and independent experts as needed.
V. The department shall submit a report, including recommendations, to the house science, technology and energy committee, the senate energy and natural resources committee, and the governor, no later than November 1, 2026. The report shall be made available to the public.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.