New Hampshire Senate Bill SB262

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/14/21
• Refer: 12/14/21
• Report Pass: 3/16/22
• Engrossed: 3/28/22
• Refer: 3/28/22
• Report Pass: 4/22/22
• Enrolled: 5/27/22

Caption

Relative to customer generators of electric energy.

Impact

The proposed amendments will not only redefine customer generators but will also adjust the apportionment of net metering capacities. This will allow electric utilities to maintain a more uniform approach to managing energy contributions from customer generators. By requiring utilities to publish hosting capacity maps online, the bill seeks to enhance transparency in energy distribution and assist customer generators in understanding the grid's capacity to accommodate new installations without necessitating significant infrastructure upgrades.

Summary

Senate Bill 262 focuses on the framework governing customer generators of electric energy, specifically modifying definitions and procedures under the Limited Electrical Energy Producers Act. The bill establishes clearer definitions for eligible customer-generators who generate power primarily through renewable sources. In doing so, it aims to expand the capacity and flexibility of net energy metering, allowing for greater participation from smaller energy producers and homeowners utilizing renewable energy technologies.

Contention

Key points of contention include how the bill affects existing net metering policies and the implications for larger customer generators. Critics may argue that the new on-site consumption requirements for larger generating facilities could impose financial burdens on these entities, potentially limiting their attractiveness to investors. Additionally, there may be debates over the equitable distribution of net metering capacity and the prioritization of certain customer generators over others in the allocation of energy credits.