Committee Summary for House Science, Technology and Energy (02/09/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1535 00:04:05.680 - 8:02:56 AM	Public Hearing	relative to clarifying eligible renewable energy classes under the renewable portfolio standard.	Cormen, Thomas(D)[F]2025
HB1577 00:31:32.240 - 8:30:23 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the disclosure of utility customer data to municipalities for emergency response planning.	Drye, Margaret(R)[B+]2025
HB1666 01:20:24.080 - 9:19:15 AM	Public Hearing	requiring capacity planning in the state 10-year energy strategy.	McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025
HB1567 02:05:50.239 - 10:04:41 AM	Executive Session	relative to the valuation of telecommunications use of public rights-of-way.	Durkin, Sean(R)[B+]2025
HB1718 2026-0582h 02:08:54.079 - 10:07:45 AM	Executive Session	relative to authorizing energy storage in connection with net metering.	Vose, Michael(R)[A-]2025
HB1535 02:21:40.800 - 10:20:31 AM	Executive Session	relative to clarifying eligible renewable energy classes under the renewable portfolio standard.	Cormen, Thomas(D)[F]2025
HB1290 02:21:40.800 - 10:20:31 AM	Executive Session	relative to customer energy storage.	McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025
HB1455 02:27:30.960 - 10:26:21 AM	Executive Session	relative to the criteria for reliable energy sources.	Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025
HB1685 04:06:05.359 - 12:04:56 PM	Public Hearing	relative to establishing a technology commission to study making New Hampshire a technology-first state.	Howard, Heath(D)[F]2025
HB1722 05:01:45.360 - 1:00:36 PM	Public Hearing	relative to consumer protections and energy classifications for large-use electric facilities.	McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025
HB1741 06:31:13.120 - 2:30:04 PM	Executive Session	relative to the enrollment and use of distributed energy resource aggregations by electric utilities.	Caplan, Tony(D)[D-]2025
HB1775 0594H 06:50:10.478 - 2:49:01 PM	Executive Session	relative to utility ownership of natural gas and nuclear power generation facilities.	Bernardy, JD(R)[B+]2025
HB1777 06:46:00.718 - 2:44:51 PM	Executive Session	relative to the enhanced 911 system fund.	Hakken-Phillips, Mary(D)[F]2025
HB1775 0594H 06:52:01.520 - 2:50:52 PM	Executive Session	relative to utility ownership of natural gas and nuclear power generation facilities.	Bernardy, JD(R)[B+]2025
HB1748 07:21:59.840 - 3:20:50 PM	Executive Session	establishing the New Hampshire energy efficiency and resource development authority.	Sweeney, Joe(R)[A]2025
HB1742 0583H 07:32:26.958 - 3:31:17 PM	Executive Session	relative to the protection of customer-generators from inadvertent enrollment in third-party electricity supply programs.	Vose, Michael(R)[A-]2025

HB1535: Representative Tom Corman, Grafton 15, Lebanon Information Only00:04:05.680 - 8:02:56 AM; Introduced HB 1535, referred to as the 'semicolon bill' due to punctuation issues in RSA 362F:4 defining renewable energy classes. Explained that items B (geothermal), E (methane gas), and G (solar thermal energy) have inconsistent punctuation, leading to misinterpretation by the Department of Energy. Specifically, Lebanon's landfill methane gas recovery for electricity production is not credited due to missing punctuation in item E, which is interpreted as only for useful thermal energy. The bill rewrites these items for clarity: each source qualifies for electric energy, with useful thermal energy requiring operation after January 1, 2013. Emphasized that clear wording avoids reliance on punctuation semantics.
HB1535: Meg Stone, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:08:45.519 - 8:07:36 AM; The Department is neutral on HB 1535. Provided background that Senate Bill 577 in 2018 amended the statute for methane to qualify for thermal renewable energy credits under class one. Confirmed the current interpretation limits methane to thermal energy only. Noted that allowing methane for electric energy is a legislative policy decision. Suggested a potential amendment to further clarify by separating electric and thermal qualifications into distinct subsections (e.g., using geothermal as an example to create a new letter for thermal energy post-2013).
HB1535: Clifton Below, Committee Power Coalition of NH, Lebanon Support00:11:27.200 - 8:10:18 AM; Endorsed HB 1535 as it increases New Hampshire renewable energy credits (RECs) supply, helping mitigate prices. Provided handout on current statute and defined methane gas under RPS as biologically derived from anaerobic digestion like landfill waste. Described Lebanon's 20-year efforts to utilize landfill methane, including a collection system installed a decade ago, with REC value key to the business case. Explained 2018 SB 577 aimed to qualify methane for thermal RECs without intending to disqualify electricity generation, supported by extensive legislative history review showing no such intent. Noted original 2006 RPS qualified existing methane electricity (e.g., Nashua landfill produces class 3 RECs). Commented on DOE's amendment suggestion, noting it would require renumbering subsections, but the bill's language is sufficiently clear.
HB1577: Representative Margaret Dry, Plainfield, Sullivan District 7 Support00:31:32.240 - 8:30:23 AM; Introduced HB 1577, prompted by a presentation on utility bill assistance and discussions on sharing life support information during outages. As an emergency medicine veteran with 45 years on the rescue squad, highlighted challenges in identifying vulnerable households during prolonged outages, like the ice storm in New London and a 2017 storm in Plainfield where she personally delivered oxygen. Explained utilities maintain life support lists to prevent shutoffs but do not share them directly with municipalities despite emergency communications. The bill adds 'emergency response planning or coordination with municipal emergency authorities' to RSA 363's allowable disclosures, with existing protections like contracts, security procedures, and prohibitions on commercial use. Noted practices in Connecticut and Massachusetts work without HIPAA issues; suggested anonymizing data (e.g., addresses only). Emphasized community safety benefits, supported by co-sponsors from police, fire, and rescue. Addressed questions on broadening language, suggesting focus on medical if needed, and privacy via opt-ins or welfare checks.
HB1577: Griffin Roberts, Eversource Energy Information Only00:50:39.760 - 8:49:30 AM; Eversource is neutral on HB 1577 as introduced but appreciates the intent to protect vulnerable customers. Described medical protection status: opt-in requiring medical provider certification for conditions where power loss causes emergencies; lasts up to a year, focuses on preventing shutoffs via payment arrangements. Explained emergency response: proactive storm monitoring, communications to medically coded customers for preparation (e.g., refilling prescriptions), investments reducing outage durations (e.g., 14 days in 2008 ice storm vs. 5 days in 2024). Collaborates with municipalities via community relations, trainings, liaison networks, and Municipal Hub for reporting priorities like blocked roads or medical needs. Raised concerns: bill's vague language could broadly expand data sharing without criteria, consent, or security standards, risking privacy, fraud, Right-to-Know requests, and burdens on small towns. Noted existing 911 CARES program allows customers to register medical info with dispatchers. Suggested working on safeguards like opt-ins; emphasized current processes balance safety and privacy.
HB1577: Representative Reynolds Information Only01:15:19.280 - 9:14:10 AM; Representative Reynolds shares a story from 1996 about a woman's life being saved by first responders using a programmed phone that dialed 911 automatically when power went out. He emphasizes the benefits of planning and addresses the bill's intent to correct gaps in information sharing between utilities and first responders while protecting privacy. He urges collaboration with the bill sponsor to craft language that addresses privacy concerns without preventing life-saving information sharing.
HB1577: Representative Poge Information Only01:16:41.440 - 9:15:32 AM; Representative Poge, with 35-37 years as a first responder, shares that in his experience, utilities like CL&P or Eversource notify dispatch when power outages affect medical equipment users, such as oxygen concentrators. He questions whether the bill fills a necessary gap, as current notification systems seem sufficient in his encounters.
HB1577: Griffin Roberts, Eversource Energy Information Only01:17:58.239 - 9:16:49 AM; Griffin Roberts acknowledges existing mechanisms like processes through the Department of Safety's 911 CARES for notifying first responders of medical conditions while protecting privacy. He appreciates the bill's intent but believes current municipal processes balance serving medically coded customers and privacy. He offers to work with Representative Dry if further clarification is needed.
HB1666: Representative Cat McGee, Representative for Hillsboro 35 (Hollis) Support01:20:24.080 - 9:19:15 AM; Representative McGee introduces HB 1666FN, which modifies the state energy strategy to include a section on electric capacity planning by sector (housing, transportation, technology, commercial/industrial) and regional growth. She clarifies that 'state regional growth' refers to varying growth rates in different NH regions like the seacoast and north country, not regional electricity grids. The bill aims to provide actionable data for strategic planning on future electric needs, addressing deficiencies in the December 2025 update which lacked strategy on demand reduction, fuel diversification, costs, and support for energy goals. She notes the bill is bipartisan and open to amendments for clearer language. During questioning, she explains capacity planning includes generation, delivery, and infrastructure; suggests referencing ISO New England definitions; emphasizes leveraging utility planning; and highlights its role in informing economic development and tracking electrification in sectors like heat pumps and electric vehicles. She defends the 10-year horizon with triennial updates for ongoing assessment.
HB1666: Meg Stone, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only01:38:33.679 - 9:37:24 AM; Meg Stone states the Department of Energy is neutral on the bill but seeks clarification on whether capacity planning refers to generation, distribution, or transmission. The department relies on staff for the 10-year strategy and may need consultants, with undetermined costs not coverable by utility assessments or existing funds. She notes section two duplicates existing statute (RSA 12-P:7A II) and suggests reorganization. She mentions related planning like utility integrated distribution planning (RSA 378:38) due this fall and ISO New England's transmission forecasting, already included in the strategy. The department is willing to summarize such information if resourced.
HB1567: Representative McGee Oppose02:05:50.239 - 10:04:41 AM; Representative McGee moves Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) for HB 1567, citing her 12 years of experience with protracted utility assessment battles. She argues the bill does not form a commission to involve stakeholders in resolving disputes, making it an inadequate solution despite good intentions.
HB1567: Representative Parall Oppose02:06:37.760 - 10:05:28 AM; Representative Parall agrees with the ITL motion, noting the issue seems specific to the north country where sponsors are from, while most small towns have already negotiated agreements with utilities. He hopes the north country can find a collaborative way forward as suggested.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Representative Corman Support02:08:54.079 - 10:07:45 AM; Representative Corman moves Ought to Pass with amendment 2026-0582h, explaining that the amendment recognizes batteries charged not solely under customer control, citing examples like Liberty Utilities' pilot with Tesla Power Walls where the utility charges batteries ahead of events.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Representative Corman Information Only02:10:50.239 - 10:09:41 AM; Explains the amendment allowing batteries to charge from the grid in response to federal alerts like from the National Weather Service via storm guard mode, clarifying that customers may not have full control. Specifies the bill applies to batteries capable of grid export, not small power tool batteries. Notes changes on page two.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Representative McGee Information Only02:11:56.960 - 10:10:47 AM; Explains the amendment's incorporation from HB1290, modifying page two to retain section B as needed by the Department of Energy and updating item A to clarify that net energy metering under RSA 362-A:9 includes storage, affirming the commission's authority.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Representative Swanson Information Only02:13:05.040 - 10:11:56 AM; Asks for clarification on how storm guard mode is informed and enforced to prevent battery-sourced electricity from going to the grid, noting personal experience with notification for charging due to impending storm.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Representative Corman Information Only02:14:22.800 - 10:13:13 AM; Describes current configurations where utilities or battery companies like Enphase control charging, monitoring output and weather. Notes users can disable storm guard via app but it's not advisable, especially for backup during storms.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Vice Chair Thomas Information Only02:15:27.840 - 10:14:18 AM; Expresses confusion on whether utilities can charge batteries without a National Weather Service declaration or if it requires a national alert. Inquires about potential non-weather emergencies and local vs. national alerts.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Representative Corman Information Only02:16:40.000 - 10:15:31 AM; States Enphase bases it on National Weather Service alerts from Grey, Maine, covering New England. Notes testimony from public hearing confirming charging occurs only on such emergency alerts.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Representative Swanson Information Only02:17:53.200 - 10:16:44 AM; Observes that storm guard requires user-enabled charging and notes inefficiency in utilities charging batteries with grid electricity unless necessary due to losses.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Committee Vote02:17:53.200 - 10:16:44 AM; The committee votes unanimously 17-0 to adopt amendment 0582h.
HB1718 2026-0582h: Committee Vote02:19:10.559 - 10:18:01 AM; The committee votes unanimously 17-0 to adopt ought to pass as amended.
HB1535: Representative Corman Support02:21:40.800 - 10:20:31 AM; Moves ought to pass, explaining the bill clarifies that three forms of renewable energy are eligible for both electric and thermal renewable energy credits under appropriate conditions, benefiting the city of Lebanon.
HB1535: Committee Vote02:22:59.920 - 10:21:50 AM; The committee votes unanimously 17-0 to adopt ought to pass.
HB1290: Representative McGee Oppose02:21:40.800 - 10:20:31 AM; Notes HB1290's language was duplicative of HB 1718 and its remaining section was incorporated into the amendment, so moves inexpedient to legislate (ITL).
HB1290: Committee Vote02:25:27.200 - 10:24:18 AM; The committee votes unanimously 17-0 to adopt ITL.
HB1455: Chairman Bose Information Only02:27:30.960 - 10:26:21 AM; Refreshes memory on the bill, noting it redefines green energy, elevates hydrocarbons as primary, contradicting prior HB 504 on state energy policy favoring renewables, supporting ITL.
HB1455: Representative Nter Oppose02:29:19.920 - 10:28:10 AM; Agrees with ITL, acknowledging need for reliable energy but supporting the motion.
HB1455: Representative Thomas Oppose02:29:19.920 - 10:28:10 AM; Highlights that testimony showed the bill would raise ratepayer rates, except from one witness, emphasizing this concern.
HB1455: Representative N. Oppose02:30:33.680 - 10:29:24 AM; Notes utilities testified it would raise rates, so cannot support the bill.
HB1455: Committee Vote02:31:22.960 - 10:30:13 AM; The committee votes unanimously 17-0 to adopt ITL.
HB1685: Representative Heath Howard, Strafford District 4 Support04:06:05.359 - 12:04:56 PM; Representative Howard introduced HB 1685, explaining 'technology first' as a framework prioritizing technology in support options for individuals with disabilities to promote inclusion and quality of life. He noted New Hampshire lags behind other states like Ohio, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Arizona in this area. The bill proposes a diverse commission including users, parents, state departments, and advocacy groups to study cross-agency collaborations, waivers for remote supports, and assistive technologies in service plans. He highlighted economic benefits, such as incentivizing tech companies from Boston to relocate to New Hampshire. Howard addressed questions by providing examples of assistive technologies like AI for communication, mobility aids, and accessible information formats. He emphasized the commission's role in identifying needs and fostering innovation without excluding other supports.
HB1685: Vanessa Blae, New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities Support04:37:13.199 - 12:36:04 PM; Vanessa Blae testified in support of HB 1685, explaining the 'technology first' framework from the University of Kansas's State of the States project, which rates states on benchmarks for assistive technology adoption. She noted its applicability to both disabilities and aging populations, helping address issues like the caregiver crisis through technologies that enable independence. Blae highlighted the framework's dynamic nature, allowing access to funding and ongoing innovation tailored to New Hampshire's needs. She stressed the importance of training on devices and offered to connect the committee with people with disabilities. She suggested including representatives from aging populations like AARP and early childhood education, and addressed concerns about commission size by proposing subcommittees.
HB1722: Representative McGee Support05:01:45.360 - 1:00:36 PM; Representative McGee introduced HB 1722 to protect ratepayers from cost shifts by large energy users like data centers, defining them as facilities using 20 MW or more under NAICS code 518210. The bill directs the PUC to develop tariffs by January 1, 2028, considering equitable cost allocation, system efficiency, and state policies, while requiring annual reports. She addressed questions by clarifying the bill prompts an investigatory docket rather than preset tariffs, covers scenarios like self-generation or utility investments, and aims to prepare for energy-intensive businesses without prescribing outcomes. McGee emphasized preventing socialization of extraordinary costs to residential and small business customers.
HB1722: Josh Elliot, Department of Energy Information Only05:32:58.160 - 1:31:49 PM; Josh Elliot stated the Department is neutral on HB 1722 but suggested restructuring the bill to explicitly direct an investigatory docket at the PUC, as current language implies developing specific tariffs. He discussed policy intent: whether to welcome data centers, reject them, or ensure cost causer pays to avoid socializing costs. He noted potential issues with NAICS code self-assignment, needing definitions for terms like system resiliency, cautioning against enshrining federal policies that may conflict with state ones, and clarifying that environmental impacts are outside PUC's economic regulatory role. Elliot explained tariffs as terms and conditions versus rates as charges, and noted direct contracting options under existing statute.
HB1722: Michael Lacata, Eversource Energy Information Only05:41:52.718 - 1:40:43 PM; Michael Lacata expressed Eversource's neutrality on HB 1722 but noted the bill seems designed for vertically integrated utilities, unlike New Hampshire's structure. He explained current treatment of large loads like data centers: interconnection agreements require the entity to pay all upgrade costs, studied for transmission/distribution impacts. At 20 MW, it's likely transmission-level, reducing system capacity. He highlighted unstudied regional supply capacity issues via ISO-NE. Lacata clarified tariffs include approved rates to avoid cost shifting, with recent rate cases rebalancing commercial/industrial loads. He noted environmental considerations are for DES, not PUC, and large users follow existing tariffs with force of law.
HB1722: Katherine Corkery, Sierra Club of New Hampshire Support05:52:26.400 - 1:51:17 PM; Katherine Corkery supported HB 1722, representing 15,000 members excited about legislative scrutiny of data centers amid multiple related bills. She viewed the bill as proactive planning for transparency, ensuring all voices are heard and impacts addressed without surprises in energy costs. Corkery emphasized preparation as data centers proliferate nationally.
HB1722: Katherine Corkery, Sierra Club of New Hampshire Information Only05:54:05.760 - 1:52:56 PM; Katherine Corkery continued her testimony by discussing the goals of ensuring electricity availability for data centers without cost shifting. She distributed a report from the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club, highlighting impacts on communities, land use, water usage, energy, emissions, carbon, air pollutants, and electric bills. She noted Virginia's unpreparedness and projected bill increases from $142 to $315 by 2039 due to data center energy needs. She recommended reviewing policy suggestions from the report for New Hampshire and urged coordination with other committees like Commerce and ENA to address data center impacts cohesively. During Q&A, she confirmed the study supported Virginia's 2025 legislation creating a separate class for large users, explained data centers serve global companies but draw local energy, clarified they primarily demand fresh water of drinking quality (noting potential discrepancies with reclaimed water sources), and affirmed Sierra Club concerns about large companies using multiple diesel generators, citing air quality impacts and examples like Memphis.
HB1722: Katherine Corkery, Sierra Club of New Hampshire Support05:54:05.760 - 1:52:56 PM; Katherine Corkery continues her testimony, addressing concerns about diesel generators exceeding permits and potential impacts of rate increases on large customers. She references examples from Texas where facilities store or sell electricity for revenue, turning off operations to profit from contracts. She appreciates the bill for allowing the PUC to consider these issues, emphasizing preparation and the promotion of new technologies like demand response rates to manage demand from data centers.
HB1722: Unidentified Questioner Information Only06:02:25.600 - 2:01:16 PM; The questioner asks about concerns from the book 'Abundance' by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson regarding permitting and environmental regulations in blue states hindering housing and energy development, and whether the Sierra Club's work creates competitive disadvantages against countries like China and Russia.
HB1722: Katherine Corkery, Sierra Club of New Hampshire Information Only06:03:10.718 - 2:02:01 PM; Katherine Corkery responds that her focus is on New Hampshire, which produces more electricity than it uses. She discusses promoting demand response rates to lower demand from facilities like data centers, advocating for cutting-edge technologies to coexist with such facilities in communities. She plans to bring a study on demand response at the next hearing.
HB1722: Representative Bernardi Information Only06:04:51.280 - 2:03:42 PM; Representative Bernardi thanks Corkery and notes that Loudoun County, Virginia, has more data centers than anywhere else, surrounding the Defense Department. He asks if she is comparing Virginia to New Hampshire and suggests learning from Virginia's experience, to which she agrees.
HB1722: Unidentified Representative Information Only06:06:08.400 - 2:04:59 PM; The representative adds that 75% of the world's internet traffic goes through Virginia's data centers, and everything stored on phones goes to the cloud there.
HB1722: Representative Kaplan Information Only06:06:08.400 - 2:04:59 PM; Representative Kaplan questions if the 75% data flow through Virginia relates to the Defense Department or global corporations, and asks if data centers fulfill a basic human need like housing. Corkery responds that it's a question of priorities, emphasizing human needs and questioning the realism of data center demand.
HB1722: Representative Partial Information Only06:07:14.638 - 2:06:05 PM; Representative Partial references a situation with Associated Grocers wanting to raise net metering for their electric needs, asking if the bill could preemptively establish guidelines for such cases and data centers on an advisory basis. Corkery suggests the bill could provide clearer guidance for PUC rulemaking.
HB1722: Representative Swanson Information Only06:08:00.400 - 2:06:51 PM; Representative Swanson clarifies that the Virginia report covers over 300 data centers statewide, not just one facility. He asks if the bill envisions one 20-megawatt campus or aggregated demand, and Corkery notes the report details statewide demand from 2024.
HB1722: Representative Thomas Information Only06:09:15.200 - 2:08:06 PM; Representative Thomas refers to page seven of the report, commenting on its content near the top.
HB1722: Unidentified Speaker from Merrimack Information Only06:10:39.760 - 2:09:30 PM; The speaker discusses regulatory neglect in Virginia leading to a 'race to the bottom' for industry attraction. They mention living in Merrimack, NH, where unregulated businesses caused severe damage to the town and population. They appreciate concerns for guardrails in NH to protect ratepayers, people, and the environment from large data centers.
HB1741: Representative Schneller Oppose06:31:13.120 - 2:30:04 PM; Moves for ITL on HB 1741FN.
HB1741: Representative Matson Oppose06:31:13.120 - 2:30:04 PM; Seconds the motion for ITL.
HB1741: Representative Summers Oppose06:32:03.200 - 2:30:54 PM; Provides rationale for ITL, noting the bill raises issues it doesn't address, has negative aspects, and utilities already have similar demand response programs through NH Saves. The bill sparked good discussion but isn't ready for adoption.
HB1741: Representative McGee Support06:33:18.638 - 2:32:09 PM; Suggests interim study instead of ITL to acknowledge the topic needs further investigation, as it's timely and deserves work, even if outcomes are similar.
HB1741: Representative Kaplan Support06:34:28.478 - 2:33:19 PM; Agrees with McGee; the bill needs work but is a good idea. References Vermont's successful virtual power plant and Eversource's pilot saving only 30 MW vs. Vermont's capacity. Emphasizes demand response for lowering ratepayer costs and advocates for further study to maximize the pilot.
HB1741: Vice Chair Thomas Oppose06:35:23.120 - 2:34:14 PM; Understands points but notes only two recommendations possible: no further legislation or recommend legislation. Sees little point in interim study as changes would come next biennium anyway.
HB1741: Representative Corman Support06:36:35.520 - 2:35:26 PM; Agrees with Thomas on disposition but favors interim study for messaging that the bill has potential worth investigating, rather than ITL which signals rejection.
HB1741: Representative Swanson Support06:37:37.040 - 2:36:28 PM; Given testimony in support and increasing electricity needs, ITL would send the wrong message; favors further exploration of ways to meet supply demands.
HB1741: Representative Reynolds Support06:38:43.440 - 2:37:34 PM; Seconds Corman on messaging; interim study allows bipartisan statement on concern for rising bills and expands demand response tools.
HB1741: Representative Thomas Support06:38:43.440 - 2:37:34 PM; Reminds of Tom Irwin from CLF supporting the bill as innovative for reducing bills, potentially saving $3 million in one day. Notes committee's aversion to innovation but argues it provides ratepayer relief and merits study.
HB1741: Representative Biggie Support06:39:56.080 - 2:38:47 PM; Acknowledges bill issues but defends sponsor's efforts, noting lack of upfront input from stakeholders. Asks colleagues to vote down ITL to allow interim study motion for dignity and to signal merit.
HB1741: Representative Bernardi Oppose06:40:44.320 - 2:39:35 PM; Interim study wouldn't create a bill until next session; questions if committee time should be reserved or if proponents handle it independently. Notes it doesn't merit fall work and Eversource has 7,000+ demand response participants planning expansion.
HB1741: Representative Parall Information Only06:41:49.760 - 2:40:40 PM; Asks if a split vote on FN bill prevents consent calendar; clarified it might still go on consent for interim study.
HB1741: Representative McGee Information Only06:42:58.958 - 2:41:49 PM; Clarifies interim study in second year of biennium requires no additional study committee, just future committee vote on legislation recommendation.
HB1741: Representative Kaplan Support06:42:58.958 - 2:41:49 PM; Notes possibility of subcommittee work in interim; expresses willingness to participate.
HB1741: Vice Chair Thomas Information Only06:43:50.958 - 2:42:41 PM; Corrects that representatives remain in office until early December, so same members could work on it.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Bernardi Support06:50:10.478 - 2:49:01 PM; Moves Ought to Pass with amendment 0594H, which limits generation units to 5 MW to address concerns of utilities gaining unfair market advantage over power producers. Explains the amendment clarifies no nuclear or gas units exceed this size.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Thomas Support06:49:16.400 - 2:48:07 PM; Seconds the motion for Ought to Pass as amended.
HB1777: Representative Nter Oppose06:46:00.718 - 2:44:51 PM; Moves ITL on HB 1777FN, noting departments routinely shift funds to balance without raising taxes, as done at county level. Cites department testimony that no systemic problem exists with 911 fund shifts.
HB1777: Representative Summers Oppose06:46:00.718 - 2:44:51 PM; Seconds the motion for ITL.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Bernardi Support06:52:01.520 - 2:50:52 PM; Amended the bill to limit units to 5 megawatts or less and included definitions of distributed energy resources from existing law. Argued this provides guardrails for utilities to invest in small-scale generation to minimize transmission costs, aligning with current statutes.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Schneller Support06:54:03.520 - 2:52:54 PM; Emphasized innovation in small-scale nuclear, gas, and solar under 5 megawatts. Cited testimony from StarCube CEO and an RFI for a nuclear campus. Stated this attracts jobs, capital, and talent from institutions like MIT and Harvard, spawning additional industries like medical isotopes. Referenced the governor's support for new age nuclear innovation.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Corman Oppose06:56:44.080 - 2:55:35 PM; Argued all discussed innovations can happen without the bill. Expressed concern that utilities with guaranteed rate recovery would put ratepayers on the hook for expensive technologies like nuclear and natural gas, leading to stranded costs. Noted differences in risks compared to solar.
HB1775 0594H: Representative McGee Oppose06:57:55.280 - 2:56:46 PM; Believed the bill doesn't fit in RSA 374-G, which is for distributed energy resources that are cheaper and add reliability locally. Argued it muddies the statute by including non-distributed resources. Concerned about market distortion favoring utilities over independent generators, potentially disincentivizing new generation since NH exports more power than it uses.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Bernardi (response) Support07:01:29.440 - 3:00:20 PM; Clarified the amendment limits to 5 megawatts and uses statutory definition of distributed energy resources, applicable to small gas or nuclear plants reducing line losses and supporting voltage regulation.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Kaplan Oppose07:03:26.160 - 3:02:17 PM; Agreed with concerns about ratepayers bearing cost overruns, distorting the market by shifting risk from private investors to ratepayers, regardless of the 5 MW cap.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Swanson Information Only07:04:23.440 - 3:03:14 PM; Torn on the bill due to NH's reliance on expensive oil in winter despite exporting power. Supports distributed energy like nuclear or solar but shares concerns about ratepayer risk. Asked if the amendment provides an 'all-of-the-above' option under 5 MW, viewing it as a business decision for utilities.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Schneller (response) Support07:05:30.878 - 3:04:21 PM; Bill doesn't mandate investments or create stranded costs; it's optional. Noted a Seattle conference on small nuclear innovators and the RFI for a nuclear campus, positioning NH as pro-innovation.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Thomas Oppose07:06:42.558 - 3:05:33 PM; Reminded of testimony from Molly Connors that the bill puts a thumb on the market scale for nuclear, questioning why not renewables or geothermal; even 10% favoritism is still interference.
HB1775 0594H: Representative McGee (response) Oppose07:07:53.280 - 3:06:44 PM; Familiar with small modular reactors from a conference; stressed no cost assessment. Highlighted high costs (e.g., $3 billion for 75 MW) would burden ratepayers via utility recovery, contradicting efforts to protect them in other bills.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Schneller (further response) Support07:09:09.680 - 3:08:00 PM; Clarified focus on sub-5 MW privately funded innovators, not large reactors. Mentioned Eversource Ventures for developed energy. Cited StarCube's design at 15 cents/kWh, encouraging private risk-taking without stopping innovation in nat gas or nuclear.
HB1775 0594H: Representative La Rochelle Support07:11:29.680 - 3:10:20 PM; Supports advanced nuclear despite high fixed costs, as facilities last decades with long-term savings. Suggested bonding at city level to spread costs, potentially saving ratepayers over time.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Parall Oppose07:13:50.558 - 3:12:41 PM; Advocated for free market; noted nuclear has received $88 billion in subsidies. Nervous about further subsidies distorting markets and creating stranded costs. Suggested sending to interim study for merits but finding common ground.
HB1775 0594H: Representative Reynolds Oppose07:15:01.840 - 3:13:52 PM; Bill distorts the market-based system by authorizing utilities to invest with ratepayer funds and guaranteed returns. Preferred private capital building and bidding into the market.
HB1775 0594H: Unnamed Representative Information Only07:16:20.478 - 3:15:11 PM; Recalled HB710 amended to allow PPAs instead of utility ownership to avoid stranded costs, enabling innovation while protecting ratepayers.
HB1775 0594H: Clerk/Chairman Vote07:18:23.600 - 3:17:14 PM; Called roll on amendment 0594H adoption: Passed 15-2. Then on ought to pass as amended: Passed 11-6. Majority report by Rep. Bernardi; minority ITL by Rep. Kaplan.
HB1748: Vice Chair Thomas Support07:21:59.840 - 3:20:50 PM; Moved interim study, stating the bill isn't ready but merits exploration for potential future legislation.
HB1748: Representative Corman Oppose07:23:20.958 - 3:22:11 PM; Preferred ITL over interim study. Noted current energy efficiency programs work well; nuclear pathways already handled by Office of Innovation per governor's address. Concerned about exemption from RSA 91-A (right-to-know) and rules of other agencies, creating an autonomous body without oversight, especially for sensitive nuclear issues.
HB1748: Unnamed Representative Information Only07:24:25.360 - 3:23:16 PM; Supported interim study to explore good ideas while rejecting bad ones like lack of oversight.
HB1748: Representative Swanson Oppose07:25:34.958 - 3:24:25 PM; Major concerns include interference with established NH Saves program. Believed it needs significant fixes; interim study may not address shortcomings adequately, preferring a revised bill next year.
HB1748: Representative Summers Support07:26:41.200 - 3:25:32 PM; Leaning towards interim study for good elements like detailed nuclear industry development and bond issuance explanations on pages 12-14, which could inform future bills.
HB1748: Representative Kaplan Oppose07:27:38.080 - 3:26:29 PM; Opposed interim study; bill is unworkable, too ambitious combining nuclear and efficiency programs. Has seeds of good ideas but major flaws make it undeserving of further study.
HB1748: Representative McGee Oppose07:28:28.878 - 3:27:19 PM; Bill is duplicative of utility and Department of Energy roles, especially per governor's tasks. Creates unnecessary bureaucracy with funding and no oversight or ethics rules; preferred ITL.
HB1748: Clerk/Chairman Vote07:29:35.760 - 3:28:26 PM; Called roll on interim study: Passed 14-3. Majority report by Vice Chair Thomas; minority by Rep. Kaplan.
HB1742 0583H: Chairman/Representative McGee Support07:32:26.958 - 3:31:17 PM; Moved ought to pass as amended by 0583H, a replace-all amendment cleaning language, changing enrollment to 20 business days, allowing 4-month reporting of misenrollment, and up to 3 months restoration.
HB1742 0583H: Chairman O Information Only07:34:00.240 - 3:32:51 PM; The Chairman explains the substantive changes in amendment 0583H, noting it addresses missing net metering credits and restores credits for customer generators who inadvertently enrolled in municipal or county aggregation programs and lost them through no fault of their own. He states the rest of the amendment remains the same and asks if further discussion is needed.
HB1742 0583H: Clerk Information Only07:34:53.840 - 3:33:44 PM; The Clerk calls the roll for the vote on adopting amendment 0583H.
HB1742 0583H: Committee Members Vote07:34:53.840 - 3:33:44 PM; All committee members vote yes on adopting amendment 0583H, resulting in a 17-0 vote in favor.
HB1742 0583H: Clerk Information Only07:36:11.520 - 3:35:02 PM; The Clerk calls the roll for the vote on ought to pass as amended by 0583H.
HB1742 0583H: Committee Members Vote07:36:11.520 - 3:35:02 PM; All committee members vote yes on ought to pass as amended by 0583H, resulting in a 17-0 vote in favor. The motion is adopted, and the bill will go on the consent calendar without objection.
HB1742 0583H: Chairman O Information Only07:37:13.680 - 3:36:04 PM; The Chairman thanks everyone for their hard work, respectful debate, and information exchange on the bills. He announces the next meeting starts at 10:00 tomorrow with four bills to hear, after which all bills will have been heard, though a dozen still need decisions.

Vose, Michael(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	Bernardy, JD(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Thomas, Douglas(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025	Schneller, John(R)[B+]2025	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2025
McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025	Ploszaj, Tom(R)[A-]2025	Mattson, Rita(R)[B+]2025
Raynolds, Ned(D)[D-]2025	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025	Parshall, Lucius(D)[F]2025
Caplan, Tony(D)[D-]2025	Summers, James(R)[B]2025	Cormen, Thomas(D)[F]2025
Swanson, Dale(D)[D-]2025	Larochelle, John(D)[F]2025	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025