Warning: Bill numbers and names are based on text-to-speech transcript which may have errors due to transcription issues or ad hoc/incomplete language use by committee.
(New Title) relative to relative to the participation of large customer-generators in net metering and relative to energy storage in connection with net metering.
Senator Lange introduced SB 449, highlighting New Hampshire's high energy costs as a threat to industrial competitiveness. He advocated for shifting focus to local distributed energy resources like industrial-scale solar and battery storage to reduce peak demand penalties, transmission losses, and outages. The bill amends net metering for single industrial entities up to 5 MW, allowing aggregation of multiple accounts, with excess generation subject to payment adjustment under PUC rules. It also incorporates energy storage provisions and extends the program for 20 years from startup to provide investment certainty. Lange emphasized the bill as pro-business, aiding manufacturers like those facing decisions to stay in NH versus lower-cost states.
SB449
Information Only00:27:22.914 - 9:22:39 AM
The Department presented neutral testimony, noting technical issues like incorrect references to PUC paragraphs and storage language overlapping with HB 1718. They highlighted that the bill creates an unclear 'industrial customer' definition, potentially severing ties to group host compensation structures, leading to unworkable net metering above 1 MW without clear rules. Policy concerns include potential 17% increase in net metered load without VDERS analysis, grandfathering risks shifting costs to ratepayers, and conflicts with other bills. Administratively, it would require an additional FTE. They clarified that without specified behind-the-meter requirements, default 20% applies, allowing excess exports like generators.
SB449
Support01:07:32.824 - 10:02:49 AM
Tiernan supported the bill, representing Lonza, a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Portsmouth with 2,000 employees and expanding facilities. The company seeks options for future growth amid competitive pressures from global drug manufacturers evaluating sustainability plans, including energy portfolios. The bill provides tools for incorporating larger-scale renewable energy equitably, helping Lonza compete for contracts, create jobs, and sustain growth in NH without extracting unfairly from the state.
SB449
Support01:14:10.648 - 10:09:27 AM
King supported SB 449 on behalf of Coca-Cola, headquartered in Bedford with a large production facility in Londonderry employing hundreds. The company aims to electrify and decarbonize operations to meet 2030 sustainability goals and net zero by 2050. A 5 MW rooftop solar array at the Londonderry facility would offset increasing power needs, reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and align with renewable energy objectives.
SB449
Support01:16:29.265 - 10:11:46 AM
Evans-Brown provided information supporting the bill, clarifying that the 17% industrial load figure is misleading as many CNI customers already qualify for 1 MW net metering and don't need larger arrays. He noted DOE concerns were not raised in the Senate and emphasized the statutory true-up mechanism for excess generation at wholesale rates, already used by hydro facilities. Citing the VDERS study, he argued large group host solar provides 12-15 cents/kWh value to utilities, often undercompensated at 6-13 cents, suggesting net benefits and potential rate reductions for all payers rather than cost shifts.
SB449
Support01:24:11.886 - 10:19:28 AM
Burke supported SB 449 for manufacturers, where energy is the second-top business issue after labor. High NH energy costs hinder expansions and relocations despite the state's appeal. NH's economy relies heavily on manufacturing (double Massachusetts' percentage), making flexibility via expanded net metering crucial. The bill offers options for large energy users without being a magic bullet, helping retain and attract manufacturers.
SB449
Support01:28:05.922 - 10:23:22 AM
Alto supported expanding net metering and battery provisions, asserting no added system costs from customer generation even at retail rates, as revenue loss to utilities/generators is a market issue, not subsidy. He advocated dynamic pricing to reflect real-time costs, addressing intermittency like clouds over solar, similar to gas markets. Batteries should not be restricted to renewables but used for grid balancing, allowing fair compensation based on value, preventing death spirals and encouraging grid integration over disconnection.
SB538
Support01:36:19.771 - 10:31:36 AM
Senator Waters introduced SB 538 as a narrow grandfathering bill for municipal net metering hosts, providing a 5-year window until December 31, 2031, to secure 20-year financing terms. Stemming from HB 315 (2021) ambiguities resolved by PUC in DE 22060 favoring a 2040 cutoff over rolling 20 years, it addresses financing challenges for projects under development. A letter from Key Bank confirms 20-year terms are essential due to low NH reimbursement rates; shorter periods yield unfavorable underwriting. Limiting to 2031 mitigates open-ended risks while enabling stalled municipal projects (some <1 MW, some <5 MW) to stabilize and proceed.
SB538
Information Only01:44:24.996 - 10:39:41 AM
The Department remained neutral, reiterating PUC's DE 22060 shift to 2040 date certain over rolling 20 years due to lack of justification. The bill guarantees 20-year default service compensation until 2031, shifting risks to ratepayers post-2031. It conflicts with SB 449's industrial provisions by amending the same statute and allows tariff switching for maximum compensation, externalizing risks. Despite fewer projects, an additional FTE is needed as the sustainable energy division is maxed from prior changes like municipal hosts and RPS.
SB538
Support01:47:42.905 - 10:42:59 AM
John Tabor testified in support of SB 538, emphasizing its importance for municipal solar projects. He described Portsmouth's ongoing feasibility study for a 1.7 megawatt solar array on a capped landfill, projecting annual savings of over $100,000 for taxpayers, potentially more if the city owns it using its AAA bond rating. The project requires 20-year financing, and the bill's net metering provisions are crucial to make the pro forma viable until at least 2040. He highlighted similar successful projects in Seacoast communities: Somersworth's 2.6 MW array saving $100,000 yearly, Exeter's 1.77 MW project cashflow positive at $30,000 initially and $350,000 after bond payoff, and Dover considering a 3.3 MW project. These utilize unused land for clean energy, benefiting taxpayers and meeting climate goals. Without the bill, Portsmouth cannot reliably predict costs to residents. He noted state benefits from local renewable generation reducing summer peaks, with NH at only 2% solar penetration compared to higher in other New England states, providing stable power immune to geopolitical fuel price volatility.
SB538
Support01:55:30.553 - 10:50:47 AM
Charles Nickerson represented the New Hampshire Association of Counties in support of SB 538, which provides long-term benefits for distributed energy resources to political subdivisions, supporting 20-year project financing limited to county and municipal-owned projects. Rockingham County's 3.25 MW solar array, online June 26, 2025, generates over 5 MW with excess to the grid without net metering. Due to the 2040 sunset, the county would lose six years of net metering benefits, valued at $800,000 to $870,000 annually, totaling over $5 million, creating a budget hole amid rising costs with no alternative revenue sources. This impacts county taxpayers until 2040 and beyond. He affirmed the association's strong support, urging a favorable committee vote. He noted similar issues for other counties like Merrimack, potentially losing more years of benefits.
SB538
Support02:01:15.588 - 10:56:32 AM
Paki Campbell strongly supported SB 538 for providing 20-year financial certainty to municipalities as promised in 2021, but urged an amendment to extend the same guarantee to private customer generators like his business, which has invested nearly $20 million in solar projects over five years. He argued that without long-term certainty, projects do not pencil out for financing. He analogized net metering to competitive electric suppliers who receive the default rate, emphasizing that customer generators compete with utilities under the Distributed Limited Electrical Producers Act, offsetting both supply and demand costs while customers pay full bills. He receives only the supply-side default rate (11.1333 cents/kWh) despite the full cost being 26 cents/kWh, creating a 150% margin for utilities without cost shifting. He claimed the current structure is unconstitutional under NH's constitution for unequal treatment compared to utilities and suppliers guaranteed the default rate for their investments. He advocated for amending the bill to guarantee alternative net metering 2.0 (since 2017) until 2040 or the investment's life, treating all similarly situated parties equally to foster job creation, clean energy, and economic benefits. He clarified that small generators (<100 kW) get about 12.5 cents/kWh, still less than half the full rate, and emphasized no subsidies or cost shifts, as generation is local and reduces grid demand. His innovative bifacial panel and dual-axis tracker technology doubles efficiency, supporting small businesses and ratepayers by lowering costs through supply and demand dynamics.
SB538
Support02:18:53.029 - 11:14:10 AM
Nick Krakow supported SB 538 (and briefly SB 449) for establishing a predictable 20-year net metering eligibility period essential for project viability and financing, as evidenced in the PUC docket two years ago showing larger projects unviable without it and negligible cost shifts. The 2040 sunset creates unfairness for later-interconnecting projects with shorter periods. Both bills increase energy diversity per RSA 362-A:1, reducing New England's natural gas dependence, stabilizing and lowering prices amid volatile fossil fuel costs like the ongoing Iran conflict. Behind-the-meter solar enhances grid reliability, with ISO New England reporting over 2,000 MW peak demand reduction on June 24, 2025, saving at least $8.2 million in wholesale costs, plus avoided transmission/distribution upgrades. He urged voting in favor of both bills. In questions, he affirmed net metering's reliability benefits on peak summer days, benefits outweighing costs, no significant capacity increases needed as backups, and that intermittency concerns are mitigated as hot days are sunny, with wind complementing in winter. He dismissed scenarios of massive buildout requiring dispatchable backups as unsupported by evidence, noting 6,000 MW behind-the-meter solar on hot days without commensurate increases elsewhere.
SB538
Support02:29:26.440 - 11:24:43 AM
Rick Russman, a former Republican state senator, testified in support of SB 538. He highlighted the passage of House Bill 315 in 2021, which authorized municipalities to develop renewable energy projects in the 1 to 5 megawatt range. He presented a letter signed by 55 municipalities, several school districts, counties, and energy committees supporting the legislation, representing nearly 25% of New Hampshire communities. He discussed benefits for small towns like Kingston, including generating lease revenue from landfills or underutilized land, stabilizing energy costs, creating jobs, and providing economic development without burdening taxpayers.
SB538
Support02:32:52.066 - 11:28:09 AM
Chris Peterson, facilities engineer for Merrimack County, spoke in support of SB 538. He explained that the county is bringing a 3.36 megawatt solar array online before October, funded by American Rescue Plan Act money with no tax impact. Extending RECs to 2046 improves the rate of return and saves taxpayer money by offsetting utility costs for nursing homes, corrections facilities, and admin buildings. The array offsets 52% of utility costs, and any REC revenue will cover maintenance like inverter replacements. He provided financial scenarios showing the impact if RECs end earlier, emphasizing the bill's role in fiscal stability.
SB538
Support02:36:44.922 - 11:32:01 AM
Jeremy Whaley, representing the Canterbury Energy Committee, urged support for SB 538, noting its direct impact on constituents. He cited two existing solar arrays in Canterbury since 2010 that have stabilized energy costs. A proposed project under net metering 2.0 would place solar on an emergency services building to offset costs for other municipal facilities lacking space. Additionally, a regional 5 MW solar array project in the Unitil area could supply power to Canterbury's buildings and school, but would be hindered without the bill's passage due to financing and recoupment uncertainties. He emphasized responsible planning for local energy projects.
SB538
Support02:39:53.210 - 11:35:10 AM
Charlie George, a volunteer on the Rollinsford Energy Commission and Budget Committee, testified in support of SB 538 for small communities with limited industry and reliance on property taxes. A proposed 5-megawatt solar array on underutilized town property, in feasibility study for over two years, would generate recurring lease revenue and taxes to offset rising government expenses. Extending net metering to 20 years ensures investor returns over the project's 30-year life, stabilizing energy costs. Small towns like Rollinsford cannot afford to build and manage arrays themselves but benefit from fixed long-term rates and economic stability.
SB560
Information Only02:44:31.939 - 11:39:48 AM
Representative Tom Corman introduced SB 560, which modernizes and clarifies the framework for New Hampshire's coordinate systems used in land surveying and mapping. It adopts the most recent National Geodetic Survey coordinate system, updates terminology, establishes usage restrictions, and adds the New Hampshire State Plane Coordinate System.
SB560
Support02:45:46.431 - 11:41:03 AM
Eric Sargent, administrator for the Bureau of Right-of-Way at NHDOT, and Jason Popopec, chief of survey and mapping, testified in support of SB 560. They explained it aligns New Hampshire with modern federal standards from the National Geodetic Survey, potentially meeting federal requirements. The bill is housekeeping, updating to more accurate satellite-based systems from older terrestrial ones, without changing physical positions or requiring new hardware/software. Transformations of existing coordinates are routine. It adopts the international foot standard, improving accuracy based on earth's center rather than surface averages, and other states are adopting it. No impacts on boundaries, markers, training, or GPS hardware; common practice will shift over time.
SB560
Support02:58:16.333 - 11:53:33 AM
Craig Bailey and Steve Ferguson from the New Hampshire Land Surveyors Association introduced themselves and explained the bill's purpose. Steve Ferguson, who primarily drafted the bill, stated it establishes the state plane coordinate system as an RSA to align with the National Geodetic Survey's 2022 modernization, adopting a new datum system. The bill ensures New Hampshire keeps pace with technological advancements without needing frequent RSA updates, as occurred with previous transitions from NAD27 to NAD83. They emphasized that the change is transparent to end users, municipalities, and property owners, merely updating the measurement standard like changing a ruler, with negligible impact on land ownership or boundaries due to legal standards prioritizing bounds over distances. The difference between U.S. survey foot and international foot is insignificant (two parts per million), visible only on large projects but not affecting typical parcels.
SB560
Support02:59:30.840 - 11:54:47 AM
In response to questions, Ferguson clarified the bill does not affect latitude/longitude addresses. He explained the shift to satellite-based measurements tied to the Earth's center rather than tectonic plates, accounting for Earth's movement and velocity for greater precision. This modernization is landmass-based, transparent to users, with no impact on property owners. He addressed legal concerns, confirming no disputes arise from recent surveys using geodetic marks under current standards. Regarding reliance on satellites, he noted federal brass monuments are no longer maintained, making the system sky-based with multiple global constellations (over 50 satellites). The Earth's center has shifted about two meters since 1973, necessitating the update. Each state has its own coordinate system; New Hampshire has one. The process involves mathematical transformations from satellite data to lat/long to the state plane grid.
SB540 2024-? (amendment discussed)
Support04:07:05.579 - 1:02:22 PM
Senator Waters introduced SB 540-FN, which allows portable solar devices (plug-in solar generators up to 1200 watts AC) to connect to a building's electrical system via standard 120-volt circuits without net metering, provided they meet safety standards. He presented a Senate amendment refining definitions, safety standards, liability exemptions for utilities, and a DOE website for FAQs, including warnings about potential transmission charges for excess generation. The bill delegates safety standards to the Code Review Board, anticipating UL 3700. It includes a voluntary utility notification process (omitted inadvertently in the latest amendment) and a contingency for effectuation once standards are certified. Waters highlighted momentum from other states (Utah, Oklahoma, Maine, New York, Colorado) and Germany's experience with millions of devices without grid issues. He addressed safety concerns like circuit overloading, emphasizing dedicated circuits for larger units and rapid UL 3700 development. The bill aims to provide safe, affordable energy options for renters and those unable to install rooftop solar, with a one-device-per-metered-customer limit.
SB540 2024-? (amendment discussed)
Information Only04:38:05.099 - 1:33:22 PM
Meg Stone from the DOE stated neutrality on the bill but supported the Senate-amended version for addressing safety via stakeholder input (DOE enforcement, Code Review Board, utilities). She suggested minor edits: change 'or' to 'and' in Section 5, line 21, and noted its clarification of DOE rulemaking authority for IEEE standards alongside IREC. For the new amendment, received late, DOE prefers the Senate version due to unresolved safety concerns (bi-directional equipment, touch potential, shock hazards, circuit overloading) addressed in Senate text but potentially weakened. She offered to review questions and amendments.
SB540 2024-? (amendment discussed)
Support04:46:27.508 - 1:41:44 PM
Evans-Brown supported enabling safe plug-in solar to avoid risks like 'lawn darts' in the energy transition. He discussed evolving understanding, stakeholder engagements (IREC, BrightSaver, Code Review Board, electricians), and the latest amendment as a safety-focused iteration allowing flexibility for DOE and Code Review Board amid developing UL 3700 and NEC updates. Key concerns: breaker masking (overloading undetected in series circuits), addressed by UL 3700 methods. He recommended empowering experts over legislative specifics, consumer education, and seller warnings. Advocated a two-tier system (400W plug-in limit; higher requiring electrician/dedicated circuits) per states like Maine/Colorado, noting U.S. wiring differences from Europe limit higher outputs. Enforcement via building permits/inspectors, though spotty for homeowners. Clarified devices aren't daisy-chainable; future standards will uniform manufacturing.
SB540 2024-? (amendment discussed)
Support05:04:38.748 - 1:59:55 PM
O'Mara supported the Senate-amended bill from a utility perspective, focusing on meter interactions and distribution system impacts. Key concerns: multiple devices per home increasing export/load; non-net-metered meters ignore exports (no credits but potential charges); net-metered meters credit exports. Recommended one unit per meter to mitigate risks and anti-islanding for lineman safety (per UL). Voluntary utility notification aids planning without approval processes. Enforcement challenging but notification preferable to none; changes provide comfort despite not fully resolving issues.
SB540 2024-? (amendment discussed)
Support05:10:17.635 - 2:05:34 PM
Sherman agreed with prior testimonies, noting the bill leapfrogs normal processes relying on NEC and UL listings. UL 3700 will address dedicated outlets, breaker shadowing, amp flows. Suggestions: Avoid defining classes/limits (leave to UL); order BCRB to amend code for listed devices, enabling rapid updates via tentative interim amendments without legislative delay. BCRB lacks expertise for specifics; hire UL if needed. No broad awareness to local officials yet due to regulatory gaps; post-settlement, fire prevention associations may educate. Insurance liability exists currently. Portable solar differs from gas generators (back-end feed vs. transfer switch); UL 3700 requires unique plugs. Chasing technology via legislation is less responsive than UL/NEC processes; empower BCRB for flexibility.
SB540 2024-? (amendment discussed)
Support05:25:42.015 - 2:20:59 PM
Licata supported Senate version, participating in working groups. Flagged: Simple voluntary utility notification for grid planning (no approval needed); clarify inadvertent exports register as usage on AMR meters, potentially charging customers—ensure bill allows this and educates via DOE website. Devices offset on-site use, not for net metering/export. For net-metered customers, exports treated as from PV system (credits). One-per-meter limit avoids overloads/exports; separate meters (e.g., EV) lower risks but need language review. Eversource has generator safety education to prevent backfeed.
SB540 2024-? (amendment discussed)
Oppose05:33:52.964 - 2:29:09 PM
Pienholt, an Eversource customer with net-metered and regular services, opposed due to metering issues. On his regular service (ITRON C1SR meter), plugging in a 1kW device exceeds his 200W usage, causing exports to register as additional usage, increasing bills (paying to generate). Surveyed 15 local meters: most sum imports/exports; few handle reverse flow. Upgrade available but not standard. Warned consumers may buy expecting savings but face higher bills; Eversource acknowledged but didn't mention upgrades.
SB540 2024-?
Information Only05:36:45.644 - 2:32:02 PM
The speaker discusses issues with ITRON meters used by Eversource, explaining that they add internally generated electricity from solar panels to grid electricity on the bill, potentially increasing costs rather than saving money. He describes a rare module that could fix this but notes it's not commonly installed. He references lines in the amended statute prohibiting utilities from requiring additional controls beyond those integrated in the device. He provides an example of how excess generation could significantly raise bills over time and urges awareness that balcony solar may not reduce electricity costs.
SB540 2024-?
Support05:42:53.176 - 2:38:10 PM
Ratcliffe supports the bill, agreeing with Senator Waters' points. He shares his 20 years in transportation and drilling, noting ongoing energy issues due to global events like the war in Iran. He mentions available 2000-watt systems from Kraftstrom that fit on a single 20-amp circuit. With 20 years of solar experience, he criticizes power companies for making installations difficult and costly, especially expansions. He praises plug-in solar for bypassing these hurdles, allowing easy backyard setups. He suggests utilities inform customers via mailers and emphasizes notifying utilities to avoid penalties. He expresses frustration with his New Hampshire Electric Cooperative over EV charging expansions threatening grandfathering.
SB540 2024-?
Support05:47:27.370 - 2:42:44 PM
Krakoff supports the bill for affordability, noting a 400-watt system can reduce bills by about $130 yearly. He highlights increasing energy diversity and autonomy amid global conflicts like the war in Iran. He praises safeguards in the bill, including anti-islanding and rapid shutdown to prevent lineman shocks. He acknowledges potential need for more safeguards but urges passage.
SB540 2024-?
Support05:50:21.726 - 2:45:38 PM
Alto explains differences between conventional solar, off-grid generators, and grid-interconnected plug-in solar, emphasizing safety features in inverters like automatic disconnection on voltage drops or power loss. He addresses voltage variation concerns, noting small systems won't cause issues. He discusses avoiding net metering by using load sensors and batteries to match production to consumption, preventing export and potential billing charges. He recommends dedicated circuits for larger systems, similar to high-load appliances, and suggests no limit to 120V but allowing 240V for balanced power. He advocates for electrician involvement for systems over 400-800 watts and sees the bill as enabling easier solar use without transfer switches.
SB560
Support06:03:11.447 - 2:58:28 PM
Moves to recommend Ought to Pass (OTP) on SB 560, describing it as a straightforward update to statutes reflecting real-world changes in mapping technology.
SB560
Support06:03:11.447 - 2:58:28 PM
Seconds the motion for OTP.
SB560
Support06:04:02.043 - 2:59:19 PM
Notes assurance that no physical markers need moving; it's a software arithmetic transformation.
SB560
Support06:04:02.043 - 2:59:19 PM
Emphasizes the bill's wording allows future technology changes without necessitating upgrades.
SB560
Support06:04:02.043 - 2:59:19 PM
States it imposes no new costs on the public.
SB560
Vote06:05:14.694 - 3:00:31 PM
Roll call vote: 14 yes, 0 no. Motion to OTP adopted; bill to consent calendar.
SB589 2024-? (suggested amendment adding electric distribution utilities)
Support06:06:47.054 - 3:02:04 PM
Waters introduces SB 589, a cluster of items on new technologies and cybersecurity. On microgrids, he incorporates definitions from a recent DOE study into statute and authorizes phase two investigations, including site mapping, sandbox methodology, cybersecurity standards, and pilot project recommendations. On port electrification, he proposes a task force with Pease Development Authority to study needs for electrifying ports, including for fishing boats and larger vessels to reduce diesel use and improve air quality, positioning NH for private investments. On cybersecurity, he establishes a DOE group to develop standards for grid interconnections and distributed energy resources, incorporating Eversource's amendment to include utilities. He adds provisions for cybersecurity programs for public water and wastewater systems, urged by Commissioner Scott, to protect against threats like hacking. The bill has no fiscal impact after removing a transportation section.
SB589 2024-1012s
Support06:22:13.374 - 3:17:30 PM
Senator Waters continues discussing the potential for electrification at the port, emphasizing that corporations pay for facility use and investments can drive necessary preparations. He highlights the example of a fishing company seeking electrification for vessels and the broader potential to attract new business. He responds to a question about microgrids and the 'sandbox methodology,' explaining it as a collaborative approach to integrate various regulatory regimes, referencing a detailed report on partnering stakeholders for microgrid development.
SB589 2024-1012s
Information Only06:24:21.803 - 3:19:38 PM
Commissioner Scott, accompanied by Johnna McKenna who oversees the drinking water program, provides background on sections 6 and 7 of the bill concerning drinking water and wastewater cybersecurity. They clarify existing authorities and propose explicit rulemaking for cybersecurity programs tailored to system risks. Scott details assistance programs since 2020, including grants leveraging CISA assessments and contracting with the Overwatch Foundation for three-year services covering appliances, firewalls, patching, and training to build sustainable in-house expertise. He notes the low preparedness levels among systems, the welcoming response from the regulated community, and national recognition for New Hampshire's efforts. The White House has urged action on this critical infrastructure issue multiple times in 2024. They offer handouts on the Overwatch Foundation and confirm that provided systems receive regular updates, with plans required for ongoing maintenance to address vulnerabilities in outdated systems.
SB589 2024-1012s
Information Only06:31:36.156 - 3:26:53 PM
Meg Stone states the Department is neutral on the bill. She addresses the narrowed scope for a Phase 2 investigation into microgrids following INV 2024-01, authorizing framework development, and offers to resend the report. Section 5 directs an investigation into cybersecurity guidelines for distributed energy generation and devices, feasible with existing resources, noting electric distribution utilities' dedicated cybersecurity efforts and the Department's full-time staff on the matter.
SB589 2024-1012s
Support06:33:20.081 - 3:28:37 PM
Griffin Roberts supports Amendment 2024-1012s, which adds electric distribution utilities to the language in Section 5, ensuring Eversource and others participate in the cybersecurity investigation for distributed energy.
SB589 2024-1012s
Oppose06:34:28.835 - 3:29:45 PM
Sarah Burke Cohen opposes the bill due to concerns over unsustainable upfront cybersecurity costs for municipalities, referencing another bill's significant increases. However, based on testimony from DES and public utilities, they believe the rollout will be manageable with a seat at the table for timeline discussions. She affirms support for protecting water and wastewater systems but emphasizes funding from property taxes requires phased implementation to avoid large one-time hits, potentially through bonding or step-by-step upgrades similar to antivirus software updates. She notes the association did not testify in the Senate due to availability and that the fiscal note indicates no impact, unlike other related bills.