NH Public Utilities Commission

Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced Tuesday that she would nominate Christopher Ellms Jr., the current deputy commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Energy, for the role of chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, a court-like entity that regulates utilities in the state.

The governor announced Monday she would not re-nominate the current chair, Daniel Goldner.

The proposal illustrates two new dynamics in New Hampshire’s energy world: the rise of community power and the uncertainty of electricity prices.

The legislation would get rid of an independent consumer advocate's office in New Hampshire and roll the duties of that office into the state's Department of Energy.

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.