New Hampshire representatives debate CNI net metering bill amid cost concerns

The New Hampshire House Science, Technology and Energy Committee convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss significant changes to net metering regulations for commercial and industrial (CNI) customers. The meeting highlighted concerns about the implications of expanding net metering caps and the potential financial impact on residential ratepayers.

A key point of contention was the proposed increase in the percentage of energy that CNI customers could net meter. Some representatives argued that allowing these customers to net meter a larger portion of their generated energy could unfairly shift costs onto residential ratepayers. One representative suggested that CNI customers should be required to use more of their on-site generated power, proposing that they only net meter excess energy produced during non-business hours.

Concerns were also raised regarding the financial motivations behind net metering. Some representatives expressed skepticism about whether the current proposal genuinely aimed to lower costs for CNI customers or if it primarily served to enhance their profitability by allowing them to sell excess energy at market rates without the same obligations as traditional energy suppliers.

The committee discussed the ongoing work of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which is examining the potential for cost shifting associated with larger net metering systems. Several representatives emphasized the need to wait for the PUC's findings before making any legislative changes, arguing that passing the bill without this information could lead to negative consequences for ratepayers.

In addition to the net metering discussion, the committee briefly touched on another bill aimed at raising the cap for net metering tariffs for systems above 100 kilowatts. This proposal, which would significantly increase the allowable capacity for net metering, also faced scrutiny regarding its potential financial implications.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the complexity surrounding net metering and the need for further analysis before any legislative action is taken. The committee members acknowledged the importance of balancing the interests of CNI customers with the financial impacts on residential ratepayers, indicating that further discussions and studies would be necessary to reach a consensus on the future of net metering in New Hampshire.