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HB 1534 · 2026 · House · Science, Technology and Energy Committee

Electric utility default service rules

AI-generated

relative to utility default service.

Clarifies policy principles governing electric utility default service, including default service rates and recovery for over- or under-collection.AI-generated

Status

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

Analysis

This bill clarifies certain policy principles regarding electric utility default service, including default service rates and recovery for over- or under- collection.

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

“Utility default service should be procured through the competitive market and may be administered by independent third parties.”
Section 1
“Any prudently incurred costs arising from compliance with the renewable portfolio standards of RSA 362-F for utility default service or [purchased power agreements] purchases of power, capacity, and ancillary services to serve utility default service shall be recovered through [the] default service [charge] charges.”
Section 1
“To the extent that there are separate utility default service rates, the costs to serve customers on those separate default service rates, including any prior period under- or over- collections, shall be recovered through the respective future default service rates as approved by the commission.”
Section 1
“If the commission determines it to be in the public interest, the commission may implement measures to discourage misuse, or long-term use, of default service.”
Section 1

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Thomas CormenDPrimeDeputy Ranking Member· Science, Technology, and Energy
  • Rep. Kat McGheeDRanking Member· Science, Technology, and Energy

Also: Rep. Tony CaplanD, Rep. Will DarbyD, Rep. Chris MunsD, Rep. Wendy ThomasD

Public testimony

64 signed in online · 12 wrote testimony

98% support2% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“I support protecting customers on community power and competitive suppliers from having to pay extra costs.”
— Greg Marsello, Jacksonsupports
“Amends electric restructuring policy principles for default service rates and recovery for over- & under-collection. ("Default service" is the supply for anyone who doesn't use an alternative supplier or community power provider.)…”
— Richard DeMark, Meredithsupports
“This is important to me as a homeowner who made a large investment in solar panels even though I couldn't qualify for the 30% tax credit. Reimbursing me for the electricity I produce is the only way for me to recover my investment.…”
— Patricia Martin, Rindgesupports
“Default service exists to protect consumers. Any changes must clearly benefit ratepayers, not utility profits”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchesteropposes

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 17, 2026HouseCommittee report· consent calendar: Inexpedient to Legislate18–0
    Overall
    100% yea
  • Mar 5, 2026HouseVoice voteInexpedient to Legislateadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 3, 2026Public hearingHouse Science, Technology and Energy4:04:29–4:05:391m 10slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 17, 2026Public hearingHouse Science, Technology and Energy1:59:32–2:02:323mlocated in the stream transcriptCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate; Executive Session
  • Mar 5, 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. 24
  2. Feb 3, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/03/2026 02:00 pm GP 229
  3. Feb 17, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  4. Feb 17, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 02/17/2026 (Vote 18-0; CC) HC 9 P. 27
  5. Mar 5, 2026HouseInexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 35

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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