On January 23, 2024, the New Hampshire Legislature introduced House Bill 755-FN, aimed at reforming the state's electric utility market. The bill outlines several key provisions intended to enhance data accessibility and billing systems for electric distribution utilities, municipal aggregations, and competitive electricity suppliers.

The primary purpose of HB 755-FN is to ensure that electric distribution utilities provide comprehensive account and meter data to municipal and county aggregations on a monthly basis. This includes detailed information necessary for load obligation settlement processes, which are crucial for accurately managing energy distribution and consumption. The bill mandates that utilities must offer this data with the same granularity and frequency that supports their operational needs.

Another significant aspect of the bill is the requirement for utilities to implement rate-ready consolidated billing services. This provision aims to facilitate innovative billing and rate design options, such as bill proration by calendar month and supply credits for customer-generators who export energy back to the grid. Additionally, the bill calls for the integration of time-of-use periods and dynamic rate intervals into the billing systems, promoting a more flexible and responsive energy market.

The implementation timeline for these provisions is set for November 1, 2026, with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission tasked with overseeing the process. The commission is also responsible for ensuring that utilities can recover reasonable costs incurred during implementation through distribution charges. Regular reports on the status of implementation will be provided to relevant legislative committees every six months.

While the bill has garnered attention for its potential to modernize the electric utility landscape in New Hampshire, it has also faced scrutiny regarding its fiscal implications. The Office of Legislative Budget Assistant has indicated that it is unable to complete a fiscal note for the bill, pending further information from the Department of Energy. This uncertainty raises questions about the financial impact of the proposed changes on both utilities and consumers.

As discussions around HB 755-FN continue, stakeholders are weighing the benefits of enhanced data access and innovative billing practices against the potential costs and operational challenges. The outcome of this legislation could significantly influence the future of New Hampshire's electric utility market, shaping how energy is managed and billed in the state.