Committee debates repeal of statewide energy data platform law as RFPs near issuance; vote to re‑refer recorded

CONCORD, N.H. — The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard extended testimony July 23 on House Bill 723, which would repeal the statute (RSA 378:50–54) authorizing a statewide multi‑use energy data platform. Committee members questioned whether to kill the law now or wait for two imminent requests for proposals (RFPs) and a cost‑benefit analysis that proponents say will quantify costs and benefits.

Representative Lex Baresni, R‑Grafton (District 11) introduced HB 723, telling the panel the project has been in statute for six years and that previous federal grant applications were rejected. Baresni said he believes the platform is “not economically viable” as currently conceived and argued that utilities or private software companies should lead such projects rather than placing the requirement in statute. He cited a federal grant rejection letter that concluded custom data solutions are often business as usual, that the project’s impact description “may be unrealistic,” and that the application did not justify economic viability.

Several witnesses who helped design the platform urged caution about repealing the law before RFPs are issued. Representative Kat McGee, who said she…