New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

New Hampshire House Bill HB443

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  

Caption

Establishing a commission to study the withdrawal of New Hampshire from ISO New England.

Impact

If successfully enacted, this bill could significantly alter how New Hampshire manages its electric grid by evaluating potential independence from ISO New England. Such a shift could permit the state to customize its energy policies and practices, potentially leading to changes in pricing, reliability, and overall management of energy resources. The commission is expected to provide insights into how such a decision might benefit or harm New Hampshire's consumers, as well as recommendations on actionable legislation based on their analysis.

Summary

House Bill 443 establishes a commission tasked with studying the implications of withdrawing New Hampshire from ISO New England, which governs the electric grid in the region. The primary objective of this commission is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of New Hampshire becoming independent in managing its electric grid, along with market administration and power system planning. The commission will be composed of various stakeholders, including members from the House and Senate, consumer advocates, and representatives from utility companies and power producers. The findings and recommendations from this study are expected to influence the state's energy policies moving forward.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 443 appears mixed, with proponents likely viewing the establishment of the commission as a necessary step towards evaluating New Hampshire's energy independence and flexibility in managing its resources. However, there may also be apprehensions regarding the implications of withdrawing from a larger regional market, as critics might argue that such a move could destabilize pricing and availability of energy. Nonetheless, the bill indicates a proactive approach by state legislature to carefully consider the future of energy management in New Hampshire.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 443 may revolve around the complexities of energy independence and the potential ramifications for both consumers and utilities. Stakeholders could have differing opinions on whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks associated with disconnecting from a regional grid. The discussions will likely focus on energy security, cost implications for consumers, and the effects on utility companies that currently operate within the ISO framework.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB1346

Establishing a commission to study the New Hampshire family court system.

NH HB543

Establishing a commission to study nuclear power and nuclear reactor technology in New Hampshire.

NH HB477

Establishing a commission to study safety and security procedures in the New Hampshire state house.

NH SB47

Establishing a commission to study barriers to increased density of residential development in New Hampshire.

NH SB419

Establishing a commission to study the delivery of public health services in New Hampshire through regional public health networks.

NH HB399

Establishing a commission to study the New Hampshire zoning enabling act and relative to the effective date of the C-PACER program.

NH HB258

Establishing a study commission to determine the readiness of the New Hampshire Seacoast Emergency Evacuation Plan.

NH HB690

Directing the department of energy to investigate the state's withdrawal from ISO-New England and other strategy decisions that impact ratepayers in relation to New England's environmental policy.

NH HB445

Establishing a study commission to examine the causes of and ways to alleviate the shortage of law enforcement officers in New Hampshire.

NH SB37

Establishing a commission to study hospitality and tourism education in New Hampshire.

Similar Bills

NH HB645

Relative to the establishment of decentralized autonomous organizations as legal entities within the state.

NH HB1170

Limiting the authority of New Hampshire delegates to policymaking conventions.

NH HB1574

Prohibiting the university system and community college systems of New Hampshire from charging out-of-state tuition to students voting in New Hampshire.

NH HB269

Relative to limiting the authority of New Hampshire delegates to policymaking conventions.

MA H3810

Dissolving the Hampshire County Regional Housing Authority and incorporating its functions into the Northampton Housing Authority

NH SB317

Relative to establishing a New Hampshire-Ireland trade council.

NH SB451

Establishing a New Hampshire innovation program in the department of business and economic affairs and making an annual appropriation therefor.

NH SB269

Establishing a commission to study energy saving weatherization programs.