Committee Summary for House Science, Technology and Energy (10/14/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:05:13.440 - 9:04:04 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
SB106 00:27:03.840 - 9:25:54 AM	General Working Session	relative to the participation of customer generators in net energy metering.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB112 299H 00:51:23.119 - 9:50:14 AM	General Working Session	relative to purchased power agreements for electric distribution utilities.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025
HB266 2998H 03:02:48.560 - 12:01:39 PM	Executive Session	relative to structural changes to the department of energy.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2025
SB106 03:08:28.479 - 12:07:19 PM	Executive Session	relative to the participation of customer generators in net energy metering.	Lang, Timothy(R)[B-]2025
SB112 03:12:52.319 - 12:11:43 PM	Executive Session	relative to purchased power agreements for electric distribution utilities.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025

Unclear: Chair (Unnamed) Information Only00:05:13.440 - 9:04:04 AM; The chair welcomes attendees to the retained bills meeting of the Science, Technology and Energy Committee, announces a work session on three retained bills followed by an executive session later, leads the pledge of allegiance, hopes everyone had a good summer, mentions upcoming workload with 50 LSRs on energy, notes the light workload today, plans a lunch break, and starts the work session by introducing House Bill 266 with an amendment.
Unclear: Representative Harrington Information Only00:07:37.440 - 9:06:28 AM; Representative Harrington explains the amendment to House Bill 266 as a housekeeping measure to clean up issues between the PUC and the Department of Energy, stemming from the rushed formation of the Department in HB2 without public hearings. He describes it as a minor adjustment agreed upon by both entities to fix something that didn't work well.
Unclear: Representative Gorman Information Only00:09:01.760 - 9:07:52 AM; Representative Gorman seeks clarification on the amendment to House Bill 266, noting that the original bill has six sections and the amendment only changes section two by removing the phrase 'in which the department files a notice of participation.' Representative Harrington confirms this.
Unclear: Unnamed Committee Member Information Only00:10:48.560 - 9:09:39 AM; An unnamed committee member comments on the new facility, expressing concern about the lack of windows, describing it as a dungeon for long hours, notes the room is too warm, and suggests humorous solutions like painting windows or turning down the heat.
Unclear: Chair (Unnamed) Information Only00:11:57.360 - 9:10:48 AM; The chair checks if the audience can hear, waits for Representative Bernardi to return with note-taking materials, addresses the lack of coffee station and vending machine issues (no water available), mentions water coolers in the hallway, confirms beverages like water and coffee are allowed but no food, discusses the pod coffee maker requiring personal supplies, notes the adjustment to the new facility, mentions a future cafeteria, and reiterates waiting for Representative Bernardi.
Unclear: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:15:26.880 - 9:14:17 AM; An unnamed speaker mentions an upcoming event: the 10th edition of the Boston Cyber Security Summit on October 16th, 2025, at the Weston Copley Place in Boston, inviting those free on Thursday evening.
SB106: Chairman (Unnamed) Information Only00:27:03.840 - 9:25:54 AM; The chairman initiates discussion on SB 106, highlighting concerns about economic impacts, ratepayer costs, and practical implementation. He notes the bill requires only 33% on-site use, questions the grandfathering clause providing 20 years of net metering beyond current 2040, potential need for more DOE staff, and whether CNI net metering costs should burden residential ratepayers. He suggests referring the bill for interim study due to these unresolved issues.
SB106: Representative Harrington Oppose00:28:26.559 - 9:27:17 AM; Representative Harrington opposes the bill, arguing the 33% on-site consumption requirement turns CNI customers into mini-generators producing up to 5 MW without commitments or penalties for failures, unlike committed power producers. He notes utilities would bear the risk of unreliable supply, making the bill unsupportable.
SB106: Representative Reynolds Support00:29:28.799 - 9:28:19 AM; Representative Reynolds supports retaining or referring SB 106 for interim study to better understand large-scale solar arrays' contributions to grid reliability and cost reduction. He emphasizes benefits of building on suitable sites like large roofs to lower costs for all consumers.
SB106: Representative Gorman Information Only00:30:50.559 - 9:29:41 AM; Representative Gorman seeks clarification on the grandfathering clause and comments on the 33% threshold, suggesting the committee could agree on an appropriate percentage between 0% (pure generation) and 100% (no net metering). He asks the chairman about the specific clause, learning it allows 20 years from system service date, extending beyond 2040.
SB106: Representative McGee Support00:32:47.360 - 9:31:38 AM; Representative McGee supports interim study, explaining the 20-year grandfathering assures ROI for high-upfront solar investments, promoting grid resiliency and homegrown energy. She references extensive testimony, notes the 33% as arbitrary but aimed at reliable grid contributions, and cites the 2022 Value of Distributed Energy report showing negligible cost-shifting. She argues current low solar investment means little concern, and net metering adds cheap energy lowering prices.
SB106: Representative Bernardi Support00:34:58.160 - 9:33:49 AM; Representative Bernardi agrees interim study is needed, referencing studies from other states on the 'value stack' of low-cost clean energy benefits beyond just energy costs, including system-wide advantages.
SB106: Representative Swanson Information Only00:36:03.520 - 9:34:54 AM; Representative Swanson shares personal experience investing in residential solar three years ago, overbuilding to reduce carbon footprint and plan for future electrification (e.g., heating, EV). He notes variability in production/consumption, questions how 33% would apply predictably, and argues distributed renewable energy is a net positive without advantages to individuals at others' expense. He extends this to value at commercial scale.
SB106: Representative Matson Information Only00:38:25.280 - 9:37:16 AM; Representative Matson seeks clarification on net metering reimbursement rates, learning it's under Net Metering 2.0 tariff: more than default service but less than retail for residential, and default service for larger CNI customers.
SB106: Representative Gorman Support00:39:24.160 - 9:38:15 AM; Representative Gorman highlights New England's growing power needs, noting solar (plus storage) can deploy quickly compared to nuclear, gas (5-7 year lag), or coal (phased out). He emphasizes distributed solar requires little new transmission and adds grid power soon.
SB106: Representative Harrington Oppose00:40:33.280 - 9:39:24 AM; Representative Harrington follows up, stressing forward capacity market changes and the need for ISO New England input on unreliable 5 MW mini-generators (up to 67% surplus without commitment). He warns if not countable for capacity, it leads to buying redundant capacity, increasing costs; suggests studying ISO's view before assuming cheap energy benefits.
SB106: Representative Kaplan Support00:41:41.920 - 9:40:32 AM; Representative Kaplan agrees on interim study to address questions like ISO handling of surplus solar and grid-scale impacts at 5 MW. He notes economic benefits from major in-state businesses seeking the program, creating jobs, and urges considering overall picture beyond just net metering costs, though acknowledging ratepayer concerns.
SB106: Representative Reynolds Support00:43:37.520 - 9:42:28 AM; Representative Reynolds pushes back on cost concerns, emphasizing need for quick generation via private capital for up to 5 MW solar, providing investment certainty to hold down prices amid scarcity. He argues solar's intermittent nature benefits grid by displacing gas during peak sun, saving gas for cloudy/dark times; even non-firm, it aids when available, especially on high-demand days from vacant land/rooftops.
SB106: Representative Vice Chair Thomas Oppose00:46:07.680 - 9:44:58 AM; Vice Chair Thomas highlights cost as major issue and warns of overbuilding intermittents without controllable backups, risking grid imbalance as seen in Spain's near-crash rescued by France's nuclear. He stresses studying renewables' controllability to maintain balance amid fluctuating power needs.
SB106: Representative McGee Support00:48:25.040 - 9:47:16 AM; Representative McGee notes discussion on equity in options for solar penetration, arguing low NH rate means no overbuild worry yet; encourages diverse portfolio for cost protection. She questions Maine cost source (citing $32M costs vs. $35M benefits), urges balanced view of full equation, and openness to find right path for state.
SB112 299H: Chairman (Unnamed) Information Only00:51:23.119 - 9:50:14 AM; The chairman introduces discussion on SB 112 with amendment 299H, merging it with HB 710 (passed House majority, Senate merged but added SB 228 leading to ITL and conference failure). Amendment achieves merger without SB 228, allowing passage to Senate for concurrence. It defines 'advanced nuclear resource' per DOE recommendation on page 1, lines 14-18; offers line-by-line if needed.
SB112 299H: Unnamed Presenter Information Only00:53:45.200 - 9:52:36 AM; The presenter explains changes in the amendment, defining 'advanced nuclear reactor' per US statutes on lines 18-19. The amendment is mostly identical to a prior version with clarifications on page two, lines 24-27, reserving 1 million megawatt hours of any PPA generated through this statute for advanced nuclear resources.
SB112 299H: Unnamed Presenter Information Only00:54:37.359 - 9:53:28 AM; The presenter notes the amendment's substance and references Representative Kaplan's prior interest in including existing resources, not just advanced nuclear. The bill allows any resource, not restricting to nuclear.
SB112 299H: Unnamed Presenter Information Only00:55:25.599 - 9:54:16 AM; The presenter invites reactions to the amendment and responds to Representative Corbin's surprise at being named on it. They address concerns from Molly Connors of the New England Power Generators Association about a two-tiered system, arguing it already exists under RSA 374-F:1, and the amendment expands it to include advanced nuclear and existing resources.
SB112 299H: Representative Corbin Oppose00:55:25.599 - 9:54:16 AM; Representative Corbin expresses surprise at co-sponsoring the amendment and echoes concerns from Molly Connors about creating a two-tiered system for power generators with and without long-term PPAs.
SB112 299H: Representative Kaplan Oppose00:56:43.520 - 9:55:34 AM; Representative Kaplan does not recall expressing interest in existing sources but accepts the presenter's word. He questions extending power purchase agreements to existing nuclear facilities, citing unknown implications for ratepayers and lack of clear state benefits, suggesting further study.
SB112 299H: Representative Harrington Oppose00:57:40.799 - 9:56:31 AM; Representative Harrington raises concerns about the bill's vague language on DOE activities like management of nuclear incentive programs and outreach on safety. He questions eligibility for existing sources supplying ISO New England, criticizes the carve-out for nuclear plants like Seabrook and Millstone, citing costly examples in Connecticut and New Hampshire (e.g., Burgess Biomass costing ratepayers $100 million). He argues the bill favors nuclear prematurely, against energy neutrality, and risks higher costs via PPAs, advocating caution as small modular reactors (SMRs) are not imminent in New England.
SB112 299H: Unnamed Presenter (response) Support01:02:26.240 - 10:01:17 AM; The presenter acknowledges concerns on risks, notes the amendment limits megawatt hours to 2-3 million (20-30% of state use) to mitigate costs, emphasizes it's enabling legislation not requiring PPAs, requires PUC approval, and highlights potential upside of building nuclear energy in the state outweighing risks, unlike the politically driven Burgess case.
SB112 299H: Representative Parshall Information Only01:04:55.520 - 10:03:46 AM; Representative Parshall asks Representative Harrington about recommending interim study for the bill.
SB112 299H: Representative Harrington (response) Information Only01:04:55.520 - 10:03:46 AM; Representative Harrington agrees he could live with interim study and finds Representative Parshall's observations agreeable.
SB112 299H: Representative McGee Oppose01:05:35.600 - 10:04:26 AM; Representative McGee notes the amendment eliminates the bill's findings on ratepayer costs and New England electricity challenges. He argues utilities already can enter PPAs without preclusion from any grid provider. He expresses concern over high costs of small modular reactors, potential ratepayer impacts from procuring up to the limit for nuclear, and suggests interim study to understand implications before proceeding.
SB112 299H: Representative Harrington (additional) Oppose01:07:22.960 - 10:06:13 AM; Representative Harrington clarifies the scope, noting 3 million megawatt hours could cover a 300 MW SMR's output, posing high risk despite PUC approval, citing past costly approvals like Millstone and Burgess.
SB112 299H: Chairman Bose Information Only01:08:34.158 - 10:07:25 AM; The Chairman concludes the discussion on the amendment, announces a lunch break until 1:00 PM, and notes the upcoming executive session.
HB266 2998H: Chairman Bose Information Only03:02:48.560 - 12:01:39 PM; Chairman Bose opens the executive session on HB 266, recognizes guest Representative Steven Bogert, and calls for a motion from Representative Harrington.
HB266 2998H: Representative Harrington Support03:04:11.040 - 12:03:02 PM; Representative Harrington moves ought to pass as amended with amendment 2998H, describing it as a housekeeping change to clarify organizational interactions between DOE and PUC, agreed upon by both parties to fix issues from the DOE's creation without full process.
HB266 2998H: Representative N Support03:04:11.040 - 12:03:02 PM; Representative N seconds the motion.
HB266 2998H: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only03:05:35.600 - 12:04:26 PM; Representative Wendy Thomas questions if the amendment allows DOE to fully participate and challenge PUC proceedings, potentially changing PUC responsibilities or usurping authority, and notes the 'shall' on line five as mandatory.
HB266 2998H: Representative Harrington (response) Information Only03:05:35.600 - 12:04:26 PM; Representative Harrington explains it clarifies roles without changing responsibilities, addresses the rushed DOE creation leading to adjustments, and confirms the 'shall' was already in statute with agreement from both parties.
HB266 2998H: Clerk (roll call) Information Only03:06:30.640 - 12:05:21 PM; The clerk calls the roll on adopting amendment 2998H, with all 17 members voting yes.
HB266 2998H: Chairman Bose Information Only03:07:37.520 - 12:06:28 PM; Chairman Bose announces the amendment passes 17-0, moves to the motion for ought to pass as amended, calls for roll call with all 17 yes votes, assigns Representative Harrington to write the calendar blurb, and places it on consent calendar with no objection.
SB106: Chairman Bose Information Only03:08:28.479 - 12:07:19 PM; Chairman Bose opens executive session on SB 106, moves to refer for interim study due to unanswered questions on 33% on-site use, grandfathering, VDER study use, and DOE staffing needs, and recognizes Vice Chair Thomas to second.
SB106: Vice Chair Thomas Support03:10:44.000 - 12:09:35 PM; Vice Chair Thomas seconds the motion for interim study.
SB106: Clerk (roll call) Information Only03:11:36.479 - 12:10:27 PM; The clerk calls the roll on refer for interim study, with all 17 members voting yes.
SB106: Chairman Bose Information Only03:11:36.479 - 12:10:27 PM; Chairman Bose announces the motion passes 17-0, places it on consent calendar with no objection, and commits to writing the committee report.
SB112: Chairman Bose Information Only03:12:52.319 - 12:11:43 PM; Chairman Bose opens executive session on SB 112, moves to refer for interim study based on caucus discussions needing more study before merging with HB 710, and recognizes Representative Bernardi to second.
SB112: Representative Bernardi Support03:12:52.319 - 12:11:43 PM; Representative Bernardi seconds the motion for interim study.
SB112: Representative McGee Support03:14:05.840 - 12:12:56 PM; Representative McGee concurs with the position for interim study.
SB112: Clerk (roll call) Information Only03:14:05.840 - 12:12:56 PM; The clerk calls the roll on refer for interim study, with 16 yes votes and Chairman Bose voting no, citing a missed opportunity.
SB112: Chairman Bose Information Only03:15:18.239 - 12:14:09 PM; Chairman Bose announces the motion passes 16-1, confirms the original bill version is referred, commits to writing the majority report with no minority report, and places it on consent calendar with no objection.
SB112: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only03:15:18.239 - 12:14:09 PM; Representative Wendy Thomas seeks clarification that the amendment is not adopted and the original SB 112 is referred for interim study.
SB112: Representative Corman Information Only03:15:18.239 - 12:14:09 PM; Representative Corman inquires about committee reports and consent placement.

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