New Hampshire Senate Bill SB111

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/22/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Report DNP: 11/4/25

Caption

Authorizing a reliability indexing credit pilot program.

Impact

If enacted, SB111 will have significant implications for state energy policy, particularly around how energy reliability is managed and incentivized. By compensating energy storage resources for their contributions to the electric market, the bill aims to enhance the reliability of the state's energy infrastructure. However, since the costs may be borne by utility customers through a special assessment, there could be financial implications for consumers in the long term. It is estimated that the costs associated with this initiative could exceed $100,000 in the first fiscal year of implementation.

Summary

SB111 establishes a Reliability Indexing Credit Pilot Program aimed at promoting the use of energy storage resources within New Hampshire. The bill provides for the procurement of reliability indexing credits from qualified energy storage resources which are expected to participate in the wholesale electric markets. The Public Utilities Commission of New Hampshire is authorized to approve multi-year agreements and cost recovery mechanisms for the necessary investments. Central to the implementation is an investigation by the Department of Energy, which is to be completed by the end of 2025, regarding the terms and conditions of this pilot program.

Contention

There is potential for contention surrounding SB111, particularly regarding the financial responsibilities placed on electric distribution utilities and, consequently, on utility customers. Opponents may argue that the program adds an additional financial burden without ensuring tangible benefits in energy reliability. Supporters, however, are likely to emphasize the long-term benefits of enhancing energy reliability and stability in the state's electrical grid as a rationale for the costs associated with the program.