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HB 1475 · 2026 · House · Science, Technology and Energy Committee

Study of electric distribution cost structure

AI-generated

directing the department of energy to study the portion of electric distribution costs attributable to fixed versus usage-based charges.

Directs the department of energy to study the fixed and variable components of electric distribution costs, evaluate specific cost categories, and report its findings.AI-generated

Status

Killed in the House — Inexpedient to Legislate · February 19, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill directs the department of energy to study the fixed and variable components of electric distribution costs in New Hampshire, evaluate specific cost categories, and report its findings.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

In the bill's words

Quoted verbatim from the bill as introduced. Passages chosen from the operative text.Computed by this site

“The department of energy shall conduct a study of electric distribution utilities operating in New Hampshire to determine what portion of distribution costs are fixed and do not vary with a customer’s electricity usage, and what portion are variable and directly related to the quantity of electricity consumed.”
Section 1
““Fixed charge” means a fee that is assessed to each customer in a rate class, without regard to kilowatt-hours consumed.”
Section 1
““Usage-based charge” means a fee that varies according to the number of kilowatt-hours consumed during a billing period.”
Section 1
“The department shall consider, but not be limited to, the following cost categories in its study:”
Section 1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Michael HarringtonRPrime
  • Rep. Lex BerezhnyRAssistant Majority Leader
  • Rep. JD BernardyRClerk· Science, Technology and Energy
  • Rep. Douglas ThomasRVice Chair· Science, Technology and Energy
  • Rep. Michael VoseRChair· Science, Technology and Energy

Public testimony

9 signed in online · 5 wrote testimony

44% support44% oppose11% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“As written, this bill is very dangerous as it would allow the distribution cost to be the same for all users regardless of energy use since all existing infrastructure is a fixed cost which arguably is necessary for all users.…”
— Roy Schweiker, Concordopposes
“Allowing people to choose their source of energy is the best method from a democratic perspective, for freedom of choice, and as part of a free market system. Why in the Live Free or Die state would we not allow people to make their own choices when there is no harm to others?…”
— Ruth Smith, Canterburyopposes
“Fixed charges disproportionately harm low-income households and undermine energy efficiency and rooftop solar. This study is essential for affordability and equity.”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchesterneutral

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Votes

yeanay
Starting text: Bill as introduced
  • Feb 3, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate18–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Jan 29, 2026Public hearingHouse Science, Technology and Energy3:39:11–3:41:382m 27slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Science, Technology and Energy5:34:53–5:37:583m 5slocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
  • Feb 19, 2026Floor debateHouse floorWatchnot located in the transcript — opens the full streamInexpedient to Legislate — adopted, voice vote

Timestamps locate where this bill is taken up in the chamber's YouTube stream.

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Science, Technology and Energy HJ 1 P. 22
  2. Jan 26, 2026House==CANCELLED== Public Hearing: 01/26/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
  3. Jan 27, 2026House==CANCELLED== Executive Session: 01/27/2026 03:00 pm GP 229
  4. Jan 29, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 01/29/2026 01:00 pm GP 158
  5. Feb 3, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/03/2026 03:00 pm GP 229
  6. Feb 3, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/03/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 7 P. 20
  7. Feb 19, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 31

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.