NH Public Utilities Commission

The state’s consumer advocate says the new system could bring more price volatility and risk for customers.

One bill seeks to clarify the authority of the Public Utilities Commission and Department of Energy. Another would repeal the consumer advocate's office.

The decision keeps net metering rates the same. But new systems won't be able to lock in those rates in what's known as a legacy period, which developers say could create uncertainty. Meanwhile, regulators are starting another process to answer more questions about how the state will handle local renewables.

Mark Dell’Orfano would be the only lawyer on the commission, which regulates public utility companies.

Mark Dell’Orfano worked on energy issues as a lawyer at Sheehan Phinney before he joined the New Hampshire Department of Justice.

Net metering is the way most people who use rooftop solar make it work economically. A wide group of energy leaders is in agreement about where the policy should go next.

The new plans are mostly the same as current programs, with small changes.

Liberty wanted to recoup $7.5 million related to development costs for the proposed fracked natural gas transmission pipeline project by temporarily increasing rates for customers. The utility pulled back from Granite Bridge in 2020.

The plan doesn’t change much about current offerings through NH Saves. But it does include a new program specifically for municipalities, and opens up a pilot program for demand response to all customers.

The company’s in the process of having its rates reevaluated, but they’re also proposing a temporary increase that would add about $100 per year for average customers.