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HB 1748 · 2026 · House · Science, Technology and Energy Committee

New energy efficiency authority

AI-generated

establishing the New Hampshire energy efficiency and resource development authority.

Establishes the New Hampshire energy efficiency and resource development authority to oversee energy efficiency initiatives and resource development within the state.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · February 19, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill establishes the New Hampshire energy efficiency and resource development authority.

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 authority shall administer energy efficiency programs consistent with applicable requirements of this chapter and other law to help individuals and businesses meet their energy needs at the lowest cost and generally to improve the economic security of the state by:”
RSA 362-J:1
“In this chapter, "authority" shall mean the New Hampshire energy efficiency and resource development authority.”
RSA 362-J:2
“There is hereby established the New Hampshire energy efficiency and resource development authority, which shall be a body corporate and political having a distinct legal existence separate from the state and not constituting a department of state government, having the powers and jurisdiction enumerated in this chapter and such other and additional powers as shall be conferred upon it by the legislature.”
RSA 362-J:3
“If a vacancy occurs among the appointed members of the board of directors, a new person shall be appointed, reviewed, and confirmed for a new 4-year term.”
RSA 362-J:4

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. Joe SweeneyRPrimeDeputy Majority Leader
  • Rep. Joe AlexanderRChair· Housing
  • Rep. Ross BerryRChair· Election Law

Public testimony

6 signed in online · 3 wrote testimony

33% support67% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“Energy efficiency is the cheapest and most equitable energy resource. A dedicated authority can reduce long-term costs for ratepayers while supporting climate and grid resilience goals.”
— Hannah Meiselman, Manchestersupports
“I always fear the formation and transfer of authority to boards. I can figure out the impact of fuel economy, heat efficiency, etc. online or by hand with minimal effort. Why do we need this? Seems rather redundant at first glance.”
— tom luther, claremontopposes
“We cannot cede control of our energy future to advocates of fossil fuels. Doing so would ignore decades of reputable science as well as our own personal experience of a dangerously warming planet. This bill is short-sighted and destructive. Please vote it ITL.”
— Martha Jane Rich, Enfieldopposes

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 9, 2026HouseCommittee report· regular calendar: Refer for Interim Study14–3
    Overall
    82% yea
  • Feb 19, 2026HouseVoice voteRefer for Interim Studyadopted

Hearings and debates

  • Feb 2, 2026Public hearingHouse Science, Technology and Energy5:01:29–5:07:546m 25slocated in the stream transcriptPublic Hearing
  • Feb 9, 2026Public hearingHouse Science, Technology and Energy7:29:07–7:31:192m 12slocated in the stream transcriptMajority Committee Report: Refer for Interim Study — roll call; Executive Session
  • Feb 19, 2026Floor debateHouse floor5:28:14–5:29:221m 8slocated in the stream transcriptRefer for Interim Study — adopted, voice vote
  • Jun 2, 2026Public hearingHouse Science, Technology and Energy31:04–34:343m 30slocated in the stream transcriptFull Committee Work Session; Executive Session

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. 34
  2. Feb 2, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/02/2026 01:30 pm GP 229
  3. Feb 9, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/09/2026 03:00 pm GP 229
  4. Feb 9, 2026HouseMajority : Refer for Interim Study 02/09/2026 (Vote 14-3; RC) HC 7 P. 38
  5. Feb 11, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  6. Feb 19, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 02/19/2026 HJ 5 P. 103
  7. Jun 2, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 06/02/2026 09:00 am GP 229
  8. Jun 2, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 06/02/2026 09:30 am GP 229

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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