Committee Summary for Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/08/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB539 00:02:06.880 - 12:00:52 PM	Public Hearing	relative to eligible biomass technology in the renewable portfolio standards.	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025
SB539 00:05:42.400 - 12:04:28 PM	Executive Session	relative to eligible biomass technology in the renewable portfolio standards.	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025
SB592 2025-0055s 00:16:28.560 - 12:15:14 PM	Public Hearing	enabling regional, conservation, and energy resource planning for habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB540 0017s 00:58:26.400 - 12:57:12 PM	Public Hearing	relative to portable solar generation devices.	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
SB599 02:09:44.320 - 2:08:30 PM	Public Hearing	relative to the renewable energy fund.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB447 02:17:29.120 - 2:16:15 PM	Public Hearing	enabling electric utilities to own, operate, and offer advanced nuclear resources, and relative to purchased power agreements for electric distribution utilities and limitations on community customer generators.	Avard, Kevin(R)[B]2025

SB539: Senator Mark McConi, District 3 Information Only00:02:06.880 - 12:00:52 PM; Senator McConi introduced SB539-FN, explaining that he was approached by the biomass wood-to-energy and timber industries to align New Hampshire biomass plants in class three of the renewable portfolio standards program. After months of constructive discussions with stakeholders, he requested the committee send the bill to interim study due to dynamic renewable energy credit markets and the need for further study to avoid unintended consequences. The industry will continue working with stakeholders and the Department of Energy.
SB539: Jody Grimble, Bridgewater Power Company Information Only00:04:54.080 - 12:03:40 PM; Jody Grimble, representing Bridgewater Power Company in Bridgewater, New Hampshire, along with Jason Stock from New Hampshire Timberland, supported the request for interim study. They noted upcoming market dynamics changes that make enacting the bill now inadvisable, emphasizing the critical role of the RPS program for biomass plants and the need to avoid unintended consequences. They anticipated returning later in the session regarding other bills affecting the RPS program.
SB539: Committee Motion Vote00:05:42.400 - 12:04:28 PM; The committee moved into executive session and, at the sponsor's request, voted unanimously for interim study on SB539-FN. They then approved a consent calendar with four items and adjourned the executive session.
SB592 2025-0055s: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:16:28.560 - 12:15:14 PM; Senator Waters introduced SB592, which empowers conservation commissions and regional planning groups to consider wildlife corridors and habitat strongholds in their planning to support wildlife populations like bear, moose, bobcat, and deer, enhancing hunting and fishing. Building on prior efforts including SB200 from 2019 and the new Wildlife Action Plan, the bill incorporates definitions from RSA 207:113-a, changes 'index' to 'inventory,' and allows consultation with Fish and Game. The amendment removes a section on transmission corridors to avoid property rights issues. He addressed questions confirming no impact on forestry, no negation of property rights, and no interference with transmission corridors.
SB592 2025-0055s: Michael Marshand, NH Fish and Game Information Only00:26:30.720 - 12:25:16 PM; Michael Marshand, supervisor of the non-game and endangered wildlife program at New Hampshire Fish and Game, provided information aligning the bill with the department's work, including the newly released Wildlife Action Plan referencing wildlife corridors. They offer mapping tools and partnerships like Taking Action for Wildlife, providing brochures to communities and land trusts. He suggested changing 'shall' to 'may' in section 5A due to potential federal funding dependencies but intends to continue the work.
SB592 2025-0055s: Jim O'Brien, The Nature Conservancy Support00:29:25.679 - 12:28:11 PM; Jim O'Brien from The Nature Conservancy supported the bill, highlighting their science-based research and mapping of wildlife migration corridors across the Appalachians. He emphasized the importance of integrating these into regional planning, as corridors span beyond municipal levels, to protect wildlife resources for the future.
SB592 2025-0055s: Griffin Roers, Eversource Energy Support00:31:22.720 - 12:30:08 PM; Griffin Roers from Eversource Energy expressed satisfaction with amendment 2025-0055s, which removed ambiguous language on designating wildlife corridors in approved transmission corridors, avoiding potential property rights conflicts. Eversource supports environmental protection and partners with nonprofits on wildlife habitats.
SB592 2025-0055s: Barbara Richter, NH Association of Conservation Commissions Support00:33:32.960 - 12:32:18 PM; Barbara Richter, executive director of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions, supported SB592 and requested an ought to pass vote. The bill coordinates efforts to prioritize wildlife corridors, essential for species survival, aligning with the Wildlife Action Plan and Fish and Game's mapping tools. It clarifies responsibilities under RSA 36A, requests changing 'index' to 'inventory,' and protects natural resources for public benefits like water and flood control. She addressed concerns, affirming voluntary land protection, no impact on property rights, and data-driven zoning without overriding landowner rights.
SB592 2025-0055s: Jason Stock, NH Timberland Owners Association Oppose00:42:37.280 - 12:41:23 PM; Jason Stock, executive director of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, raised concerns about the bill's necessity, potential redundancy with existing ecological areas, and implications for land use. Landowners value wildlife but worry about privacy of special areas being mapped publicly, leading to unwanted access, and fears of mapping evolving into regulations impacting non-forestry uses like zoning overlays. He noted redundancy in terms like 'ecological areas' and 'conservation,' suggesting focus on habitat strongholds might be unnecessary. He offered to work with the sponsor to address concerns.
SB540 0017s: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support00:58:26.400 - 12:57:12 PM; Senator Waters introduced SB540 with amendment 0017s, defining portable solar generation devices (up to 800 watts) for plugging into standard outlets to offset electricity use, exempt from net metering and interconnection rules. It ensures safety via UL standards, anti-islanding protection, and registration for utility notification without approval or fees. No PUC rulemaking is needed, providing economic and personal freedom while limiting utility liability. Inspired by other states, it addresses growing popularity of such devices without special wiring. He noted delaying effective date might address fiscal concerns.
SB540 0017s: Senator David Waters, District 4 Support01:07:48.160 - 1:06:34 PM; Senator Waters continues discussing the bill, expressing preference for the effective date to remain January 1, 2027, and notes that the amendment addresses rulemaking, eliminating the need for a fiscal note. He explains practical uses of portable solar panels, such as plugging directly into the wall to reduce power needs or connecting to batteries and generators. He clarifies that the bill focuses on the generation of power via solar panels, and users can decide how to utilize the power, whether for charging devices, powering a refrigerator, or integrating with existing generators during outages.
SB540 0017s: Meg Stone, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only01:11:04.480 - 1:09:50 PM; Meg Stone from the Department of Energy presents a neutral stance, referencing a letter on safety concerns and offering suggestions for the bill. She recommends incorporating UL 3700 standard for safety requirements, which addresses plug-in photovoltaic systems. She suggests changing 'or' to 'and' in the compliance standards (UL 1741 and IEEE 1547) in the original bill to align with the National Electric Code. She notes that if rulemaking is reintroduced, it should involve the Department of Energy, not the Public Utilities Commission, and can be handled without additional staff. She discusses the potential for UL 3700 to become a standard and its role in addressing safety issues like branch circuit protection and installation methods, suggesting it could be handled through building code amendments rather than legislation.
SB540 0017s: Philip Sherman, Chair, State Building Code Review Board Information Only01:19:05.199 - 1:17:51 PM; Philip Sherman explains that the board aims to create a safe path for using portable solar devices in New Hampshire, noting their common use in Europe. He highlights that these devices feed power differently (back side of breaker) compared to typical generators, presenting unique electrical hazards not fully addressed by current standards like UL 1741 or IEEE 1547, especially regarding ground fault detection. He points out that the National Electric Code does not currently address back-feeding into circuits and that UL 3700 provides preliminary guidance but requires a unique plug setup conflicting with the bill's ordinary 110-volt outlet requirement. Sherman requests a couple of months to review research, collaborate with stakeholders, and propose code amendments to ensure safety without delaying adoption, emphasizing that unregulated use is already occurring and better to establish standards promptly, though time is needed to resolve conflicts.
SB540 0017s: Pential Alto, Penroke, NH Support01:29:15.360 - 1:28:01 PM; Pential Alto, from Penroke, NH, with a background in technology and policy including interconnection standards and net metering, presented a UL-approved device for rooftop and other solar systems. He explained that the device converts low voltage DC from panels to 120 or 240 AC, plugs into house wiring, and operates synchronously with the grid, ensuring safety through anti-islanding functions and compliance with UL and IEEE standards. He addressed safety concerns like electrocution risks upon unplugging, noting quick voltage drop, and compared it to string inverters, highlighting its benefits for shaded or distributed panels. He supported the bill, suggesting refinements to definitions, voltage options, capacity levels for utility planning, and registration to monitor usage, while emphasizing built-in protections against voltage issues.
SB540 0017s: Dina Dennis, Community Power Coalition of NH Support01:36:02.320 - 1:34:48 PM; Dina Dennis, Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs for the Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH), representing nearly 70 member municipalities serving 175,000 customers, supported SB 540FN as introduced. She described it as a pro-consumer bill expanding energy freedom by allowing safe plug-in of small portable solar devices to offset electricity costs without mandates, subsidies, or cost-shifting. The bill lowers bills by displacing grid power during peak daytime hours, reduces system peak demand, and promotes innovation with safety standards, PUC rules, and limited utility liability, distinguishing it from permanent generation. She noted similar bipartisan legislation in Utah and EU countries like Germany, urging an ought to pass recommendation to align with NH's energy freedom and market competition principles.
SB540 0017s: Rob Werner, NH League of Conservation Voters Support01:40:01.440 - 1:38:47 PM; Rob Werner, State Director for the NH League of Conservation Voters, briefly supported the bill as a way for government to improve citizens' lives by addressing acute and rising energy costs, particularly for low-income residents. He described it as pro-consumer and aimed at reducing costs, urging the committee and full Senate to pass it.
SB540 0017s: Griffin Rober, Eversource Energy Information Only01:41:10.639 - 1:39:56 PM; Griffin Rober from Eversource Energy noted positive developments in amendment 0017s following discussions with Senator Waters but indicated ongoing internal technical feedback. He welcomed further discussions on potential changes and offered to answer questions.
SB540 0017s: Nick Kraoff, Conservation Law Foundation Support01:42:17.840 - 1:41:03 PM; Nick Kraoff, Senior Attorney with the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, supported SB 540 for addressing the affordability crisis by reducing energy bills through plug-in solar devices up to 800 watts under the amendment. He estimated savings of $10/month for a 400W panel or $20 for two, providing energy independence. The bill improves grid reliability by mitigating winter shortfalls and summer peaks, as per New England studies on behind-the-meter solar. He highlighted safety provisions similar to Utah's enacted bill, distributed written comments, and urged support.
SB540 0017s: Alec Omera, Unitil Oppose01:44:27.840 - 1:43:13 PM; Alec Omera, Director of External Affairs at Unitil, expressed concerns with the bill as written but supported its spirit. He noted the device's interconnection potential to push energy onto the grid, raising engineering issues like tracking locations and loads at scale. While appreciating the amendment's cap reduction to 800W, he worried about multiple devices per person circumventing net metering, especially for existing net-metered customers where meters can't distinguish sources. He suggested an aggregate cap on devices per individual or address to limit impacts, acknowledged registration helps but questioned recourse for system improvements in multi-family or high-density scenarios, and emphasized the need to monitor two-way energy flow for all customers.
SB540 0017s: Sam Evans Brown, Clean Energy New Hampshire Support01:50:17.440 - 1:49:03 PM; Sam Evans Brown, Executive Director of Clean Energy New Hampshire, supported the bill after extensive work with Senator Waters, viewing it as a modest step to expand low-cost solar access to renters and those with unsuitable roofs (42% of Americans per NREL). He noted Germany's success with 4GW of plug-in solar without fires or reliability issues, supported registration, and highlighted the new UL 3700 standard proceeding, suggesting statutory reference for flexibility. Addressing utility concerns on net-metered expansions, he cited PUC orders allowing small additions without class changes, self-limiting factors like circuit capacity, and registration for tracking. He was open to an aggregate device limit as a starting measure and eager to collaborate for improvements.
SB540 0017s: David Trumbull, town of [unspecified] Support01:56:02.880 - 1:54:48 PM; David Trumbull supports SB540, drawing from a recent webinar with Utah Representative Ray Ward and Kevin Chow from Bright Saver on balcony solar. He highlights Germany's impeccable safety record with over a million households using similar systems, noting that laws of physics apply equally in the US. He suggests dedicated outlets like GFCI for safety and discusses feasibility for medium-sized plants with minimal electrical work. Trumbull emphasizes cost savings, with payback periods of 2-5 years, potentially covering 30% of an apartment's electric bill. He notes growing interest in other states, potential for new users like condo owners and low-income renters, and a vision for 60 million US homes by 2035.
SB540 0017s: Stephen Rancort, Executive Director, Electrical Contractors Business Association (ECBA), and Mark Weisfog, KW Management, ECBA member Information Only02:00:51.199 - 1:59:37 PM; Stephen Rancort and Mark Weisfog from ECBA provide information without taking a position on SB540, acknowledging the bill's intent to reduce electrical consumption but raising safety concerns. They suggest clarifying if the 800-watt limit is AC or DC, as DC would be higher. They discuss assembly requirements, wiring needs, potential issues with GFI outlets, backfeeding risks, and the importance of registration oversight. Concerns include live prongs posing hazards, circuit overloading (e.g., multiple units on 14-gauge wiring), and amperage differences between US 120V and German 240V systems. They advocate working through these technical issues collaboratively.
SB540 0017s: Lindsay Burggoyne, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Revision Energy Support02:05:58.480 - 2:04:44 PM; Lindsay Burggoyne supports SB540, aligning it with Revision Energy's mission for a just and equitable electric future, even though plug-in solar is not their offering. She praises the bill for simplifying interconnection via notification rather than lengthy applications, reducing soft costs and burdens on small solar deployments. On UL listings, she notes that panels and inverters comply with UL1741 as components, and UL3700 addresses the full system. She addresses backfeeding concerns, stating that 800-watt systems offset about 1000 kWh/year, suitable for base load without overload risks. She concludes that solar is a simple solution to the affordability crisis.
SB599: Senator Waters, on behalf of Senator Pearl Information Only02:09:44.320 - 2:08:30 PM; Senator Waters introduces SB599 to preserve funding for the renewable energy fund, referencing language from House Bill 2 intended to sustain administrative costs and new projects after the House eliminated the fund. House Bill 682, signed later, restored original language and would prevent an $8 million general fund lapse, shorting the general fund $4 million annually. The bill ensures the lapse occurs while maintaining some funding for thermal and electrical renewable initiatives, not residential solar.
SB599: Senator Rosenwald Information Only02:12:27.040 - 2:11:13 PM; Senator Rosenwald questions the need for $1 million in administrative costs for a fund with less than that amount, referencing a letter on budget cuts leaving about $967,000. He seeks clarification on why the Department of Energy (DOE) would use the entire amount for administration, leaving no grants.
SB599: Unidentified Speaker (likely Senator Waters or representative) Information Only02:13:27.119 - 2:12:13 PM; The speaker clarifies that House Bill 2 aimed to provide $1 million annually for thermal and electrical renewable initiatives after sweeping most funds, allowing for new small projects. The bill covers administrative costs for existing grants while making $1 million available for new grants, with additional funds expected from the program.
SB599: Meg Stone, Department of Energy Information Only02:16:10.480 - 2:14:56 PM; Meg Stone from the Department of Energy begins to speak but the transcript cuts off before providing testimony.
SB447: Chris Elms, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only02:17:29.120 - 2:16:15 PM; Chris Elms provided information on the funding and administrative costs of the Renewable Energy Fund (REF), noting that it receives around $8 million annually from alternative compliance revenue. He explained that the fund supports not only RPS program staff but also the Office of Energy Innovation and regulatory staff focused on renewable and sustainable issues like net metering. Administrative costs are estimated at $1-1.5 million. He addressed concerns about losing funding, stating it would require alternative sources or position cuts, but such changes were not proposed in the HB2 process. Elms also clarified that funds collected before July 1, 2025, are approximately $20 million surplus as per the HB2 budget.
SB447: Senator Kevin Avard, District 12 Support02:21:12.880 - 2:19:58 PM; Senator Avard, the prime sponsor of SB 447, introduced the bill as a backup to legislation passed on consent the previous day. He explained that SB 447 defines advanced nuclear resources and includes them alongside renewable energy sources for utility services. It serves as a placeholder in case the original bill fails, allowing for amendments if needed, with the hope that the House concedes and it reaches the governor for signing.
SB447: Chris Elms, Deputy Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only02:22:20.800 - 2:21:06 PM; Elms kept his remarks brief, noting that SB 447 combines elements from previous bills (SB 112, SB 228, HB 710). The Department has technical concerns and policy questions on those bills and is open to discussing amendments offline with the sponsor or committee if the bill is used as an insurance vehicle.
SB447: Molly Connors, New England Power Generators Association Oppose02:24:38.080 - 2:23:24 PM; Molly Connors submitted extensive testimony and highlighted concerns about SB 447, viewing it as a threat to existing generating facilities providing low-cost reliability. She argued it creates a system of 'haves and have-nots' by favoring facilities selected by government officials over competitively provided electricity. She noted the Senate's recent passage of a similar bill on consent represents a significant policy change not yet approved by the House, and her association represents non-utility owned generators in New England, including most New Hampshire power plants employing 800 people and paying $250 million in taxes annually.
SB447: Sarah Abramson, Executive Director, C10 Research and Education Foundation Information Only02:26:33.120 - 2:25:19 PM; Sarah Abramson testified as an apolitical organization focused on radiological monitoring around Seabrook Station. She cautioned against the bill's coordinator position in the Office of Energy Innovation lacking independence in public education on new nuclear facilities, citing the December 29 report. She recommended citizen advisory panels, drawing from examples in Wyoming (failed project due to poor community engagement), New Mexico, Texas, Europe, and Canada. She referenced the 2023 nuclear commission report and urged independent information provision to avoid public distrust, suggesting amendments for panels similar to those in Massachusetts bills.
SB447: Clifton Below, Chair, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Committee, Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire Information Only02:33:24.800 - 2:32:10 PM; The Coalition takes no position but offered observations. They appreciate sections 4 and 5 expanding low-moderate income community solar and municipal host grouping opportunities. Concerns include section 7 expanding LMI solar to 3 MW without temporal price signals or storage, leading to low-value production around solar noon. They noted movements toward price signals and storage-enabling bills. On purchase power agreements (PPAs), they worry about future stranded costs if above-market, potentially recovered from customers, especially with high competitive supply usage reducing utility default service needs.
SB447: Chad Whitaker, Founder, Pure Source Consulting Support02:37:38.160 - 2:36:24 PM; Chad Whitaker supports the bill but raised concerns about the 'municipal host' definition excluding low-income housing tax credit properties managed by housing authorities but owned under separate LLCs with tax equity partners. This prevents enrolling full portfolios in municipal solar projects via RFPs, leading to bifurcation and potential exclusion. He requested minor phrasing changes to include these properties, emphasizing practical benefits for housing authorities like Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
SB447: Lindsay Burggoyne, Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Revision Energy Support02:40:25.520 - 2:39:11 PM; Lindsay Burggoyne supports sections 3, 4, and 5 of SB 447. For section 3, she advocated raising the small customer generator size threshold to avoid penalties for projects over 100 kW, like those on municipal buildings and small businesses, attaching a memo with language. She noted prior support from businesses and nonprofits. For section 4, she supported expanding the Electric Assistance Program to 18 MW annually (vs. 12 MW in the passed bill) and project sizes to 3 MW, flagging design challenges. For section 5, she endorsed municipal host definition changes benefiting public housing authorities, as testified previously.
SB447: Bruce Berkkey, Shinfin Capital Group, representing NextEra (Seabrook Station) Support02:45:26.000 - 2:44:12 PM; Bruce Berkkey reiterated strong support for SB 447, applauding the Senate's passage of a similar bill (HB 221) the previous day. He clarified that Seabrook Station supports the bill, countering any suggestions otherwise, based on past testimony.

Avard, Kevin(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Pearl, Howard (V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025