Committee Summary for Senate Energy and Natural Resources (06/10/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:02:07.040 - 7:59:13 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Megan and Josh (Department of Energy representatives) Information Only00:02:07.040 - 7:59:13 AM; Megan and Josh introduce the session, explaining that it is required by statute to gather public and legislative feedback on the development of the next iteration of the state energy strategy. They reference a recent tweak via House Bill 189 to the required areas of consideration, emphasizing wide latitude for additional topics. The session is designed to listen to input on format improvements, expansions, new topics, and relevance to legislative work. They note that public written comments are extended until September 2nd, providing further opportunity for input.
Unclear: Unnamed Legislator (possibly Chairman) Information Only00:04:43.520 - 8:01:49 AM; The legislator inquires about the feasibility of allowing utilities to engage in generation within the state, suggesting a hybrid model that includes nuclear options. He reflects on past decisions from 25 years ago prohibiting this and proposes revisiting it to reduce reliance on out-of-state energy, potentially saving on transmission costs while maintaining wholesale markets. He jokingly asks for unanimous House approval on bills. In response to questions, he clarifies interest in a partial return to vertical integration, similar to Vermont but not fully, to keep all options open.
Unclear: Senator Waters Information Only00:07:50.080 - 8:04:56 AM; Senator Waters thanks the presenters and discusses the challenges of planning amid uncertainties in federal, state, ISO New England, and neighboring state policies. He suggests focusing on what New Hampshire can control to protect its interests. He references the Clean Energy New Hampshire response, advocating for a more focused structure by grouping categories coherently rather than scattering topics. Key areas include resilience against climate impacts like sea level rise (now baseline 3 feet by 2100, possibly earlier) and extreme precipitation, necessitating hardened grid infrastructure. He emphasizes planning for increased electricity demand from electrification, AI data centers, and using renewables, demand response for resilience. On grid modernization, he calls for cost savings via enhanced technologies, virtual grids, microgrids, distributed energy resources, and storage to avoid burdening consumers with billions in upgrades. He addresses interconnection fairness, cost distribution for upgrades, and policies for large users like AI to bear their costs. Additional points: bidirectional EVs as storage, state policy on metering technologies, concerns over costly new gas pipelines, generation diversity with realistic timelines (e.g., solar/wind now, nuclear 10 years out, offshore wind uncertain), empowering individuals/communities/businesses in energy choices, and a realistic approach to energy efficiency with clear savings and departmental implementation plans.
Unclear: Unnamed Legislator (possibly Rep. Max or similar) Information Only00:20:29.840 - 8:17:35 AM; The legislator piggybacks on interconnection issues, noting complaints from groups like associated grocers and urges streamlining to help individuals and businesses. He questions the cost-benefit of energy efficiency, to which the presenters respond affirmatively, citing the Granite State test requiring at least $1 savings per $1 invested, with payback periods from 4-6 months onward.
Unclear: Senator Pearl Information Only00:24:28.960 - 8:21:34 AM; Senator Pearl adds to the discussion by highlighting waste-to-energy as a viable option for managing solid waste, including food waste via methane digesters for energy and soil amendments, tying into agricultural interests. He stresses the priority of affordability, as constituents complain about high electric rates and desire to choose energy sources without excessive costs. He references the Clean Energy New Hampshire report's focus on rates and affordability beyond just rate structure.

Avard, Kevin(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Pearl, Howard (V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024	McConkey, Mark(R)