Bill > HB1534

This bill amends existing law regarding electric utility default service, clarifying policy principles and addressing several key aspects of how default service should be structured and managed. The bill stipulates that default service should serve as a safety net to ensure universal access and system integrity, while also minimizing customer risk and avoiding harm to competitive markets. It emphasizes that default service should be procured competitively and potentially administered by independent third parties. The bill allows for recovery of prudently incurred costs related to renewable portfolio standards and power purchases through default service charges, and introduces a mechanism for managing over- or under-collections of costs by allowing these to be recovered through future default service rates as approved by the regulatory commission. Additionally, the bill permits the commission to implement measures to discourage misuse or long-term reliance on default service, with any revenues generated from such measures intended to offset stranded costs. The changes aim to provide more flexibility and clarity in managing utility default service while protecting both consumers and the broader energy market. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage.

Business and Industry

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1774&inflect=2