New Hampshire DOE outlines rule changes, strategy and federal program roll‑outs

New Hampshire Department of Energy Director Josh Elliott told the Science, Technology and Energy Committee that the agency is moving two interrelated rule packages — the EN900 net‑metering rules and the EN1000 interconnection rules — toward Jelcar review in late April 2026, but several technical and statutory questions remain, including where the department’s authority ends and the Public Utilities Commission’s begins.

Elliott said the EN900 net‑metering updates largely reflect recent legislative changes and stakeholder input; public hearings were held in December and most issues have consensus, with “a couple of minor areas of disagreement” remaining on timing and deadlines. On interconnection he said the department is reviewing comments about whether rule authority should extend beyond facilities up to a 5‑megawatt nameplate and how fee approval for interconnection costs should be allocated between the Department and the Public Utilities Commission.

The department also presented its state energy strategy, organized around four pillars — affordability, sustainability, reliability and innovation — and highlighted concrete measures: expanding weatherization and energy efficiency, deploying demand‑response programs, developing time‑of‑use rates, and workforce training through community colleges and utility line‑worker programs. Elliott said affordability is a priority: county‑level household energy burdens were summarized and the department will emphasize programs that reduce out‑of‑pocket energy costs for low‑income households.

Elliott described the state’s work to deploy federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and IIJA, noting the mix of formula and competitive grants requires federal guidance and administrative capacity. Program status he reported included: municipal solar via the Energy Conservation Block Grant (16 awards, most built or under construction); weatherization assistance (610 homes completed so far); and a $35 million electrification rebates award for appliance and panel upgrades that the department says is under implementer selection with a governor‑and‑council contract expected in late March or April. He said the state’s Homes program remains in conditional award status with USDOE review outstanding, and an energy efficiency revolving loan fund (~$800,000) is challenging to operationalize due to Davis‑Bacon and Buy America requirements.

Elliott also flagged a major administrative setback: the EPA’s early termination of a $43.5 million “Solar for All” grant. New Hampshire, with the attorney general and governor’s office, has pursued administrative dispute procedures and expects a decision from EPA by late February. He warned of federal audit risk if states spend funds inconsistent with evolving federal guidance and described the careful steps the department is taking to reduce that risk while moving funds to communities.

Committee members asked about timelines and details; Elliott reiterated the rulemaking target of late April 2026 for the EN900/EN1000 packages, said stakeholder comments are posted on the department website (search EN900/EN1000), and offered to supply follow‑ups about ISO New England interconnection cluster impacts and precise program dollar allocations.

What’s next: the committee will take written follow‑ups and staff requests; many items Elliott described (rule drafts, RFPs and grant applications) now have near‑term milestones through the spring and early summer.