Relative to the Burgess BioPower facility.
The legislation requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to revise orders related to the Burgess BioPower plant to align with the legislative intent regarding the cumulative reduction factor (CRF) in power pricing. It allows for cost recovery through non-bypassable charges across all rate classes, thereby aiming to ensure the financial sustainability of the power plant. By mandating urgent proceedings and providing opportunities for legislative relief, SB271 aims to protect not only the plant's operation but also to reinforce its contributions toward state energy goals and local economies.
Senate Bill 271 focuses on the operational viability of the Burgess BioPower facility in Berlin, New Hampshire. The bill emphasizes the importance of the power plant for the state's energy infrastructure, considering it a reliable source of baseload power essential for fuel security and the reliability of the regional electricity grid. The lawmakers assert that the facility not only fulfills renewable energy goals but also supports local industries and job creation in the North Country. The bill aims to address certain regulatory oversights that arose from previous legislation, including the need for a 3-year suspension of an established cap in the plant’s power purchase agreement.
Despite the bill's intended positive impacts, there are points of contention surrounding its provisions. Critics may view the approach of amending PUC orders as an overextension of legislative power into executive regulatory authority. Additionally, the mandate for expedited review could raise concerns about thorough oversight, potentially leading to unintended consequences on energy pricing mechanisms. Moreover, the necessity of placing costs on ratepayers to support the plant's operational viability is likely to provoke debates regarding the fairness and equity of this charge among different consumer groups.