Committee Summary for House Science, Technology and Energy (01/13/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title
Unclear 00:05:10.560 - 9:01:01 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:10:04.880 - 9:05:55 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
Unclear 00:28:49.840 - 9:24:40 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:05:10.560 - 9:01:01 AM; The chair welcomes attendees to the first session of the Science, Technology, and Energy Committee for 2026, leads the pledge of allegiance, and outlines the day's agenda including presentations from the Department of Energy before lunch, ISO New England after lunch, and the Public Utilities Commission to close the day. The chair emphasizes the committee's role in overseeing the Department of Energy and regulators.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:06:30.560 - 9:02:21 AM; The chair addresses the warm temperature in the room, explains that heating is centrally controlled by computers and cannot be easily adjusted, and notes that facilities staff have been informed but no changes are guaranteed. There are no windows to open.
Unclear: Representative Swanson Information Only00:07:50.319 - 9:03:41 AM; Representative Swanson makes a motion that unless testifying, members may remove their outer jackets due to the room's warmth to avoid discomfort.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:07:50.319 - 9:03:41 AM; The chair seconds the motion to allow removal of jackets when not testifying, calls for a vote, and declares the motion passes after unanimous approval.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:09:16.959 - 9:05:07 AM; The chair provides context for the upcoming session, noting 892 bills filed in the House for 2026, making it an extremely busy year. The committee has 36 bills assigned, around average workload. 24% of bills are early bills with a deadline of February 12th.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:10:04.880 - 9:05:55 AM; The Chair discusses the timeline for getting bills out of committee and onto the House floor by February 12th, noting that information on early bills will be available by noon. Mentions several bills with FN designations indicating financial concerns. Advises following the Speaker's guidance to executive early and often due to heavy workload. States no executive sessions are scheduled yet, as hearings start tomorrow with the first four bills, but expects weekly executive sessions through February 12th to handle early bills.
Unclear: Representative Plogeier Information Only00:11:22.560 - 9:07:13 AM; Inquires about notice for executive sessions and whether the committee will get a heads up on bills to be executed.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:11:22.560 - 9:07:13 AM; Announces that Representative Plogeier is back on the committee, replacing Representative Brey who has left due to scheduling conflicts. Welcomes Representative Plogeier. Reminds members to use microphones for streaming. Responds to the inquiry by explaining that bills for executive session will be listed in the calendar, with flexibility for unannounced sessions if agreed upon with Representative McGee, though not expecting many.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:12:30.880 - 9:08:21 AM; Provides information about the building management by the Department of Administrative Services, stating that all meetings must end by 5:00 PM. Suggests starting meetings at 9:00 AM on Mondays and Tuesdays to ensure timely conclusion.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:14:02.399 - 9:09:53 AM; The speaker explains a building quirk where doors lock automatically at 4:30 PM. If someone leaves a hearing after 4:00 PM and needs to return from the car, they cannot re-enter without a card, which is not issued to individual members. Arrangements must be made with the front officer to use his card. Entering via the front might be possible, but exiting the back requires walking around the building. The speaker also discusses staff changes in House Committee Services, dividing roles into researchers and admins. Researchers provide historical data, legislative history, comparisons, legal and fiscal analysis. Admins handle clerical tasks like minutes, reports, scheduling, and file maintenance. The committee researcher is Davis Allen, returning from last year, assigned to multiple committees including election law, labor, industrial and rehabilitative services, and state-federal relations and veterans affairs. He will attend meetings but move between committees as needed. New administrative support staff are mentioned, and Robin Bach returns as the committee administrator, praised for her excellent work. There was uncertainty over the summer about her assignment, resolved in the fall.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:18:06.960 - 9:13:57 AM; The Chair introduces new staff members including Cassidy Jones, Sarah Padza, and Karen Geck Gekkis, and offers a staff directory for administrative staff and committee researchers. She also mentions having a directory for other House committees' meeting locations and notes that this information is in the calendar. Transitioning to staff issues, she addresses a key point from a leadership meeting: since 2026 is not a budget year and the 2025 budget is final, any bill with a fiscal note (FN) requiring spending must be recommended as inexpedient to legislate (ITL) or modified to eliminate the spending.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only00:20:19.840 - 9:16:10 AM; Representative McGee asks if a bill could be changed to include an associated funding source, and confirms that it could be if funding is identified. He also notes that fiscal notes (FN) might involve local economic impacts where the legislature doesn't need to provide money, potentially avoiding an Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) recommendation.
Unclear: Unidentified Speaker Information Only00:20:19.840 - 9:16:10 AM; The speaker agrees that bills with fiscal notes, especially those involving state budget money, are challenging due to lack of surplus this year. They mention that in past years with surpluses, some FN bills passed and were funded at the governor's discretion, but that's not possible currently.
Unclear: Representative Swanson Information Only00:21:22.880 - 9:17:13 AM; Representative Swanson inquires about the effective date for bills requiring funding during the current budget cycle, noting a window where such bills can't pass. He discusses a tactic of delaying effective dates to future years like 2027, but explains it's ineffective because future legislatures can't be bound and may ignore or minimally fund unwanted spending.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:22:46.159 - 9:18:37 AM; The Committee Chair emphasizes that the committee will be strict on FN bills seeking to spend money. He also clarifies that calendar reports can include OTPA recommendations from both majority and minority, as long as amendment numbers are included in the report.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:23:33.679 - 9:19:24 AM; The chair clarifies that it is possible for a bill to come out of the committee as OTPA with two different amendment suggestions, noting that this has always been possible but was previously unclear. The chair advises the committee to keep this in mind as they proceed with bills this year. Additionally, regarding calendar reports, the chair emphasizes that the House Clerk and Speaker stressed in a recent leadership meeting that reports must contain facts only. Any opinions must be clearly disclaimed, such as by stating 'the minority believes whatever,' to ensure reports stick to known facts about the issue.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:25:01.760 - 9:20:52 AM; The Committee Chair discussed imposing time limits on testimony when there are many speakers, such as 30 pink cards, applying consistently to everyone including the bill sponsor, for fairness. They noted new rules on recusals and conflicts of interest from 2024 or last year, applicable to committees, and that they may question members on potential conflicts. The Chair outlined the meeting hierarchy in their or Vice Chair Thomas's absence: first Representative Bernardi (clerk), then Representative ND, then Representative Harrington. They welcomed the Department of Energy for a presentation on grid interconnections and rules development.
Unclear: Representative Matson Information Only00:26:42.240 - 9:22:33 AM; Representative Matson asked if the four-minute time limit for testimony includes time for questions and answers.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only00:28:00.399 - 9:23:51 AM; The Committee Chair clarified that the four-minute time limit is only for testimony and does not include questions and answers.
Unclear: Josh Elliott, Director, Division of Policy and Programs, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:28:49.840 - 9:24:40 AM; Josh Elliott provides a comprehensive update on four key topics: the Grid Modernization Advisory Group (GMAG), rules processes for net metering (EN900) and interconnections (EN1000), the State Energy Strategy released in December 2025, and federal funding programs managed by the Department. He discusses GMAG's relocation to the Office of Energy Innovation per HB 628, new duties on energy storage from SB 233, and upcoming meetings in early February. On rules, he notes consensus on net metering updates with minor disagreements on timing, targeting JLCAR approval in late April 2025, and ongoing reviews for interconnections including capacity limits and fee approvals. The State Energy Strategy shifts to four pillars—affordability, sustainability, reliability, and innovation—with 23 recommendations, highlighting energy burdens by county, efficiency programs, and specific issues like kerosene supply and time-of-use rates. Federal programs cover BIL and IRA funds, including successful municipal solar and weatherization, challenges with rebates, and the terminated Solar for All grant under dispute.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only00:33:11.039 - 9:29:02 AM; Representative McGee asks clarification questions during the presentation, including inquiries about GMAG appointments, goals of net metering rules, minor areas of disagreement in rules, and the amount of funding for the HOMES program.
Unclear: Representative Kaplan Information Only00:39:15.280 - 9:35:06 AM; Representative Kaplan seeks clarification on minor disagreements in the rules process, timelines for finalizing recommendations, details on state energy program publications, and accountability for grid resiliency funds. Later, he questions the definition of 'out-of-market' procedures in the State Energy Strategy.
Unclear: Senator Corman Information Only00:41:55.200 - 9:37:46 AM; Senator Corman asks for clarification on whether interconnection rules should apply to more than 5 MW nameplate capacity, as suggested by utilities and stakeholders.
Unclear: Senator Reynolds Information Only00:42:52.240 - 9:38:43 AM; Senator Reynolds inquires about progress on addressing arbitrariness in interconnection costs from a developer's perspective.
Unclear: Representative Summers Information Only01:43:33.360 - 10:39:24 AM; Representative Summers asks about the status of the ISO New England investigation under HB 690 and the impact of new interconnections in New England, particularly with only one for New Hampshire.
Unclear: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only01:45:22.719 - 10:41:13 AM; Representative Thomas asks if energy burden breakdowns include energy aggregation customers, about accommodations for commuter rail alongside freight, and if data centers are on the radar regarding the four pillars.
Unclear: Representative Corman Information Only01:47:21.600 - 10:43:12 AM; Representative Corman comments that the State Energy Strategy lacks solid goals, measurements, and implementation, and notes unaddressed themes like natural gas capacity and impacts from other New England states.
Unclear: Representative Swanson Information Only01:49:40.159 - 10:45:31 AM; Representative Swanson asks if community power projects assumed net metering availability and included renewable energy credits assumptions.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only01:55:12.800 - 10:51:03 AM; Representative McGee questions the State Energy Strategy's focus on affordability, lack of emphasis on energy independence, fuel diversity, indigenous supply, emissions reductions in sectors like housing and transportation, and plans for demand response without specific goals.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only03:05:33.840 - 12:01:24 PM; The chair reconvenes the afternoon session, noting that 14 STN bills are early bills requiring completion by February 12th, effectively by February 5th, and plans to schedule them between now and February 3rd. The chair then introduces the afternoon presentation by invited guests from ISO New England on the prospects for grid operation in 2026.
Unclear: Brendan Flity, ISO New England Information Only03:07:01.840 - 12:02:52 PM; Brendan Flity introduces himself as the state policy adviser and external affairs for New Hampshire at ISO New England, joined by colleague Eric Johnson. He notes his familiarity with New Hampshire energy policy and offers to serve as liaison. He invites committee members to tour the ISO facility, mentions website resources, and promotes public trainings including an ISO 101 course in Holyoke this October.
Unclear: Eric Johnson, ISO New England Information Only03:09:03.200 - 12:04:54 PM; Eric Johnson provides an overview of ISO New England's key responsibilities: planning the transmission system, administering wholesale markets, and operating the bulk power system. He explains the ISO's neutral role like air traffic control, without financial interests in market participants. He discusses market evolution since 1999, stakeholder processes for changes, and long-term planning for reliability, including forecasting demand and overseeing new resource interconnections. He clarifies what ISO does not do, such as direct retail relations, owning assets, or planning resource mixes. He covers organizational updates, including a new CEO, and shifts to system planning, detailing the transition to cluster-based interconnection studies under FERC Order 2023, moving from first-come-first-served to first-ready-first-served. This has reduced the queue from 37,000 MW to 14,000 MW, mostly renewables like batteries, solar, and wind. He addresses questions on cluster formation, readiness criteria, minimum asset sizes (5 MW threshold), and financial commitments. Johnson discusses transmission planning, including the 2050 Transmission Study prompted by states for longer horizons to support electrification and goals to 2050. An RFP for new transmission was issued, targeting 1,200 MW in northern Maine, with bids ranging from $1-4 billion and in-service by 2035. He notes challenges in siting and questions on shortening approval times, emphasizing community buy-in. He addresses asset condition projects for aging infrastructure, outlining a new ISO advisory role in phases, starting with interim reviews for broader visibility without judging prudence, which remains FERC's domain. Costs are socialized regionally based on usage shares. On federal issues, he notes stop-work orders on offshore wind projects like Revolution Wind, increasing reliability risks, and questions on replacements amid load growth forecasts doubling by 2050. He explains capacity market reforms: shifting to prompt auctions (from 3-year forward to 6 months) to avoid phantom generation, and proposing seasonal auctions for better resource matching. Wind and renewables are accredited based on actual capacity factors, not nameplate. In Q&A, he responds to impacts of federal policy delays on offshore wind, ISO participation in national conferences, limitations on prudence reviews, cost allocation (usage-based, ~10% for NH), and implications of NH withdrawing from ISO (not feasible as state isn't a member; utilities would need to replicate regional services, deemed uneconomical).
Unclear: Eric Johnson, ISO New England Information Only04:29:21.600 - 1:25:12 PM; Eric Johnson continues discussing interconnection costs for resources connecting to the system, clarifying that developers pay for studies and that New Hampshire residents are not bearing costs for projects in other states like Massachusetts. He notes that study costs are small compared to transmission assets and offers to follow up on equity concerns regarding project studies across states.
Unclear: Mark Delano, Interim Chairman, NH Public Utilities Commission Information Only04:39:57.840 - 1:35:48 PM; Mark Delano introduces himself and Commissioner Praveen Chhatai, noting the commission currently has only two members pending a third appointment. He discusses the commission's reduced staffing from 15 to 13 authorized positions, highlighting the impact of losing senior staff and the burden on remaining employees. Delano praises the staff's dedication and expresses hope for effective leadership while awaiting the governor's decision. He emphasizes that they cannot discuss pending dockets or hypotheticals to avoid influencing cases. Delano addresses legislative expectations, referencing pre-filed testimony on statutory authority, structure, and funding. He argues the agency is underfunded post-split with the Department of Energy, with most staff being new and requiring extensive training in utility regulation. He notes the small training budget, personal sacrifices like self-funding travel, and the need for reclassification of positions such as attorney roles from level 2 to 4 and better advertising for unclassified senior advisor roles amid hiring freezes. Delano mentions writing fiscal notes for bills that may add responsibilities without additional staffing, urging the committee to consider these impacts, especially for tasks not done since pre-deregulation in the 1990s. He then hands over to Commissioner Chhatai for slides.
Unclear: Praveen Chhatai, Commissioner, NH Public Utilities Commission Information Only04:49:35.200 - 1:45:26 PM; Commissioner Chhatai thanks the committee and introduces his presentation using public data from EIA.gov, focusing on additional insights beyond prior discussions. He plans to walk through slides at the back of the packet provided to the committee.
Unclear: Praveen Chhatai, Commissioner, NH Public Utilities Commission Information Only04:50:22.560 - 1:46:13 PM; Commissioner Chhatai presents slides on New England electric residential prices, showing New Hampshire's prices were highest in September 2022 but have since decreased due to Commission actions like allowing utilities to procure 50% from the spot market. He compares New Hampshire to other states, noting Vermont's lower prices but highlighting it's not a direct comparison as Vermont is non-divested. Using BLS data, he shows New Hampshire prices have decreased in real terms from September 2022 to October 2025. He emphasizes affordability remains a major issue and shares his involvement in the FERC state collaborative, where states discuss managing RFPs, RTO governance to better represent ratepayers, transmission costs, asset condition projects burdening ratepayers, and emerging concerns like data centers impacting rates even if not directly in New England.
Unclear: Unnamed Commissioner (likely another NHPUC Commissioner) Information Only04:55:12.798 - 1:51:03 PM; The commissioner discusses positive developments for New Hampshire, including involvement in NARUC committees on energy resources, environment, and nuclear energy to stay informed and inform state decisions. They highlight participation in the New England Council of Public Utilities Commissioners (NECKPUC), formed in 1947, where commissioners from six states meet quarterly to address regional issues, build relationships, and learn from each other as an 'all of the above' state. They note increased engagement compared to predecessors, sharing methodologies like proxy price for default service rates that interest other states. They clarify the Department of Energy handles NESCA issues. They conclude by noting historical praise for NHPUC's ethical standards and leadership, expressing commitment to collaborate with other states while driving in their own lane.
Unclear: Chair (Unnamed) Information Only05:23:00.240 - 2:18:51 PM; The chair thanks the PUC commissioners for the break, mentions a news conference on EMP dangers and grid hardening, promotes an event at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College at 6:30 PM, introduces House Bill 1723 to be filed tomorrow requiring utilities to study grid hardening, and resumes the session by opening the floor to questions and recognizing Representative Thomas.
Unclear: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only05:24:15.920 - 2:20:06 PM; Representative Thomas asks about a slide from the presentation regarding data centers in New Hampshire and New England, quoting the commissioner on how it will 'matter' and seeking clarification on whether it means raising rates, increasing capacity, or demand.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner (Unnamed) Information Only05:24:15.920 - 2:20:06 PM; The commissioner explains that data centers will create significant load that must be served, either by big players or through the regulatory setup. Even without local data centers, resources and capital are scarce, leading to competition that increases the cost of capital in New Hampshire. Other impacts may exist but have not been fully considered.
Unclear: Committee Chair (Unnamed) Information Only05:25:32.718 - 2:21:23 PM; The chair asks about legislation affecting the PUC's structure, jurisdiction, authority, duties, oversight, funding, or responsibilities, noting they are down two staff members, and seeks elaboration on staffing difficulties and potential help.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner (Unnamed) Information Only05:26:49.280 - 2:22:40 PM; The commissioner appreciates the question and explains challenges in hiring: internal candidates hesitate to move from classified to unclassified positions due to loss of protections, not salary. For a classified attorney position, only one internal candidate applied who lacked sufficient experience, and with limited training resources, it would burden current commissioners who are already overworked. They emphasize serving the public interest despite long hours but note that additional responsibilities from bills would require more staff. They prefer not converting to classified positions to allow external advertising, especially under the hiring freeze, and are working with HRS on waivers. The market demands skilled workers, and candidates often come from incompatible agencies.
Unclear: Committee Chair (Unnamed) Information Only05:28:52.160 - 2:24:43 PM; The chair confirms the answer and asks about the process to change an unclassified position to classified.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner (Unnamed) Information Only05:29:57.920 - 2:25:48 PM; The commissioner prefers not to change to classified positions to enable external advertising for better candidates, especially under the current hiring freeze and waiver process. They are collaborating with HRS and the governor's office, receiving some helpful suggestions. Skilled professionals are in demand in private sector roles like consulting or engineering, making retention challenging. Candidates from other agencies may lack compatible skills, but they are open to training promising individuals. Personally, as a former utility analyst with PUC history, the commissioner notes that after the PUC split, initial staff left, and people are not excited to join due to various reasons.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner (Unnamed) Information Only05:32:05.600 - 2:27:56 PM; The commissioner continues discussing challenges with classified versus unclassified positions at the PUC, noting the difficulty in getting work done due to limited staff and loss of institutional knowledge. They emphasize the need for some slack in resources to avoid rebuilding skill sets from scratch, highlighting the tight situation at the agency.
Unclear: Unidentified Questioner (likely committee member) Information Only05:32:05.600 - 2:27:56 PM; The questioner mentions hesitation in discussing unclassified positions earlier, noting that PUC staff report to the chair, who is currently unknown, making it hard to attract candidates, especially those moving from classified roles. They reference a candidate who expressed concern about the unknown boss.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:33:10.798 - 2:29:01 PM; The commissioner confirms that due to the governor's hiring freeze, they have not received a waiver to post positions externally and are limited to current state employees seeking internal transfers.
Unclear: Representative Corman Information Only05:34:13.920 - 2:30:04 PM; Representative Corman thanks the witness and asks about the PUC's exploration of performance-based ratemaking, acknowledging a pending docket on appeal.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:34:13.920 - 2:30:04 PM; The commissioner notes a pending appeal on a related docket, limiting discussion, but states they will open an investigative docket on incentive-based ratemaking, including performance incentives. They mention working with utilities and the Department of Energy to structure a framework and invite legislative input.
Unclear: Representative Kaplan Information Only05:35:17.600 - 2:31:08 PM; Representative Kaplan thanks the commissioners and describes the situation as dire. They ask if staffing issues will impact completing dockets short-term and how the legislature can help.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:35:17.600 - 2:31:08 PM; The commissioner commits to minimizing impacts on dockets with available resources, aiming to make correct decisions. They suggest legislative help through reviewing bills, potentially adding roles via amendments, and viewing the PUC as an independent agency delegated quasi-legislative authority. They offer to provide information on bills without taking positions, assessing needed skills or resources.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only05:38:36.638 - 2:34:27 PM; The chair notes House and Senate leadership's indication of no budget surplus, making bills with fiscal notes unlikely to pass, especially those from PUC and DOE requesting funds, and encourages alternative solutions.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:39:46.400 - 2:35:37 PM; The commissioner acknowledges the budget constraints and notes PUC funding comes from utility assessments, not the general fund. They suggest funding positions through assessments, grants, or other means without general fund impact, emphasizing better regulation requires investment.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only05:40:50.160 - 2:36:41 PM; Representative McGee asks about a recent modification to the Eversource rate case, specifically future automatic increases, and seeks details on the decisions.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:41:55.040 - 2:37:46 PM; The commissioner explains they cannot discuss the rate case as it is within the appeal window, though no appeal has been filed yet. The order becomes final on January 30th, and details are in the order itself.
Unclear: Representative Corman Information Only05:43:00.480 - 2:38:51 PM; Representative Corman recalls sponsoring a bill last year to clarify PUC and Department of Energy responsibilities, which PUC opposed. They ask about PUC's follow-up responsibilities after issuing rulings or closing dockets.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:43:00.480 - 2:38:51 PM; The commissioner explains follow-up varies by docket; some orders have lifespans allowing revisits via noticed hearings, unlike other agencies. Annual reconciliation hearings occur for rate orders, and some matters like the statewide data platform have ongoing lives spanning years with reporting and proceedings. They note challenges with new staff lacking institutional knowledge for long dockets.
Unclear: Representative Swanson Information Only05:46:03.520 - 2:41:54 PM; Representative Swanson describes receiving Eversource statements showing a bill increase, detailing a 20% rise in transmission and delivery rates. They ask if the provided graph on residential electric prices includes this summer's rate increase.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner (implied) Information Only05:46:03.520 - 2:41:54 PM; The commissioner refers to EIA.gov data on residential electric prices in cents per kWh, stating it captures what ratepayers pay, inclusive of supply, transmission, and distribution. They note reliance on the assumption that the data is comprehensive.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:47:39.760 - 2:43:30 PM; The commissioner clarifies that transmission rates are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, while the PUC regulates distribution rates. Electricity costs are a composite including distribution, transmission, and energy supply, with PUC influence limited to distribution. They emphasize providing comprehensive information to the committee.
Unclear: Representative Swanson Information Only05:48:40.718 - 2:44:31 PM; Representative Swanson notes that the data on residential energy prices is unclear regarding components like transmission or production, and the regulation aspect was secondary to identifying the data source.
Unclear: Senator Corman Information Only05:49:46.480 - 2:45:37 PM; Senator Corman follows up on energy regulation, questioning if default service rates are regulated by the PUC. He also inquires about whether the chart includes fixed customer charges, noting that EIA.gov composites aggregate state customer charges divided by kilowatt hours.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:50:38.320 - 2:46:29 PM; The commissioner explains that while they regulate the procurement process for default service, they do not set the rate itself but ensure it results in just and reasonable rates under statutes. They have little oversight on competitive suppliers or community aggregators. Regarding supply, the PUC can impact it through procurement but cannot dictate the rate. On customer charges, they are aggregated in the composite as per EIA methodology.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only05:51:24.400 - 2:47:15 PM; Representative McGee asked a follow-up question about the impact of allowing utilities to procure up to 50% on the spot market on the competitive market in New Hampshire. She inquired whether this has helped lower prices and if there is evidence of its effect on competitive suppliers, emphasizing the importance of competition.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner (Economist) Information Only05:52:28.240 - 2:48:19 PM; The commissioner, identifying as an economist, responded that while he lacks specific data, it makes sense that lower default service rates act as a benchmark, influencing how competitors price their products. He noted the impact on the market but could not provide supporting evidence.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:52:28.240 - 2:48:19 PM; The commissioner explained that competitive suppliers bear full business risks, unlike utilities providing default service, which can recover prudent expenses. He noted arguments that it's hard for suppliers to compete against default service due to the utility's cost recovery structure versus market economics for competitors.
Unclear: Vice Chair Thomas Information Only05:53:44.958 - 2:49:35 PM; Vice Chair Thomas sought clarification on the term 'just and reasonable' rates, asking if it means the absolute lowest cost or if there is leeway, and what happens if it's not the lowest.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner Information Only05:54:55.360 - 2:50:46 PM; The commissioner detailed the 'just and reasonable' standard, referencing New Hampshire Supreme Court interpretations. It includes statutory and constitutional aspects, ensuring rates are within a zone of reasonableness—not too low to expropriate utility assets or too high to exploit consumers. Rates should allow recovery of costs plus a reasonable return based on similar investments. The determination depends on presented evidence, and the PUC strives for fairness in the public interest, with options for rehearing or appeal if needed.
Unclear: Vice Chair Thomas Information Only05:58:58.718 - 2:54:49 PM; Vice Chair Thomas followed up, asking if the PUC can directly adjust rates lower than requested or adjust the rate of return to achieve lower rates.
Unclear: PUC Commissioner (Analyst experience) Information Only05:58:58.718 - 2:54:49 PM; Drawing from 2014 experience as an analyst, the commissioner explained that utilities often present the 'best cost approach' considering multiple criteria beyond minimum cost, which the commission evaluates. The return on equity is set for distribution rates and applied to invested capital, not directly tied to minimum cost decisions. The commission weighs alternatives for long-term benefits.
Unclear: Committee Chair Information Only06:01:28.480 - 2:57:19 PM; The chair thanked the commissioners for their testimony and answers, noted they might have more work, and adjourned the session, reminding of tomorrow's schedule including a presentation by the Department of Environmental Services and hearings on bills like HB11723.

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