Bill > HB1741

This bill establishes a comprehensive distributed power plant (DPP) program requiring electric utilities to develop and implement strategies for coordinating distributed energy resources (DERs) with oversight from the public utilities commission. The program mandates that utilities file proposals for enrolling and aggregating behind-the-meter energy resources like solar panels, batteries, smart thermostats, and electric vehicles, with the goal of providing grid services such as peak demand reduction, load shifting, and system reliability improvements. Key provisions include offering upfront incentive payments and performance payments to participants (both direct customers and third-party aggregators), creating enrollment programs for various technologies, and establishing performance targets with potential financial rewards. The bill aims to promote customer choice, leverage private sector innovation, and support clean energy solutions by reducing reliance on fossil-fuel peaker plants and expanding DER access. Utilities can recover program costs through commission-approved mechanisms, and the program includes protections for participants, such as no penalties for nonperformance and higher incentives for low- and moderate-income customers. The program is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, with the Public Utilities Commission responsible for approving program proposals, setting targets, and overseeing annual performance reporting.

Business and Industry

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1932&inflect=2