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SB 538 · 2026 · Senate · Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Municipal net metering eligibility extension

AI-generated

extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects.

Establishes long-term eligibility for certain customer-generators to receive net energy metering compensation under alternative tariffs approved by the public utilities commission and outlines conditions for transitioning to future tariffs.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · July 15, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✓House
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill establishes long-term eligibility for certain customer-generators to receive net energy metering compensation under alternative tariffs approved by the public utilities commission. This bill also outlines conditions for transitioning to future tariffs.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. David WattersDPrime
  • Sen. Cindy RosenwaldDDeputy Democratic Leader
  • Sen. Kevin AvardRChair· Energy and Natural Resources
  • Sen. Suzanne PrentissDAssistant Democratic Leader
  • Sen. Rebecca Perkins KwokaDMinority Leader

Also: Sen. Donovan FentonD, Sen. Pat LongD, Sen. Debra AltschillerD

Public testimony

96 signed in online · 42 wrote testimony

100% support0% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“SB 538 is a targeted approach to ensure that the many municipalities in New Hampshire that have built solar arrays are able to take full advantage over the years to provide benefits to ratepayers.…”
— Rob Werner, Concord · League of Conservation Voterssupports
“I’m a constituent from Manchester, and I’m writing to ask for your support on SB449, SB538, and SB540. These bills will help lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy, and support local investment in our communities.…”
— Colin Conneally, Manchestersupports
“I’m a constituent from Littleton, and I’m writing to ask for your support on SB449. This bill will help lower energy costs, expand access to clean energy, and support local investment in our communities. Please support this bill as it moves through the House.…”
— Kathleen Smith, Littletonsupports

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-139:00 amSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing
  • 2026-04-069:00 amHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-04-139:00 amHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearing
  • 2026-05-0410:00 amHouse Finance - Division IGP 230Public hearing
  • 2026-05-0510:30 amHouse FinanceGP 230Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 1
  2. Jan 13, 2026SenHearing: 01/13/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:20 am; SC 48
  3. Mar 12, 2026SenCommittee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1001s, 03/12/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 9
  4. Mar 12, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-1001s, AA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  5. Mar 12, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-1001s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  6. Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Science, Technology and Energy HJ 8 P. 114
  7. Apr 6, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/06/2026 09:30 am GP 229
  8. Apr 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/13/2026 09:00 am GP 229
  9. Apr 13, 2026House: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1453h 04/13/2026 (Vote 18-0; RC)
  10. Apr 23, 2026HouseAmendment # 2026-1453h: AA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 70
  11. Apr 23, 2026HouseFLAM # 2026-1578h (Rep. Vose): AA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 70
  12. Apr 23, 2026HouseOught to Pass with Amendment 2026-1453h and 2026-1578h: MA VV 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 71
  13. Apr 23, 2026HouseReferred to Finance 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 71
  14. May 4, 2026HouseDivision I Work Session: 05/04/2026 10:00 am GP 230
  15. May 5, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 05/05/2026 10:30 am GP 230
  16. May 5, 2026House: Ought to Pass 05/05/2026 (Vote 24-0; RC) HC 19 P. 24
  17. May 14, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA VV 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 96
  18. May 14, 2026SenSen. Avard Moved Nonconcur with the House Amendment; Requests C of C, MA, VV; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
  19. May 14, 2026SenPresident Appoints: Senators Avard, Pearl, Watters; (In Recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
  20. May 21, 2026HouseHouse Accedes to Senate Request for CofC (Reps. Vose, Weyler): MA VV 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 22
  21. May 21, 2026HouseSpeaker Appoints: Reps. Vose, D. Thomas, Cambrils, McGhee 05/21/2026 HJ 14 P. 22
  22. May 26, 2026SenCommittee of Conference Meeting: 05/26/2026, 12:00 pm, Room 154, GP
  23. May 28, 2026HouseConference Committee Report # 2026-2072c Filed 05/28/2026; New Amendment HC 22
  24. Jun 4, 2026HouseConference Committee Report 2026-2072c: Adopted, VV 06/04/2026 HJ 15
  25. Jun 4, 2026SenConference Committee Report # 2026-2072c, Adopted, VV; 06/04/2026; SJ 14
  26. Jun 4, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026
  27. Jun 4, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 06/04/2026); SJ 15
  28. Jul 10, 2026SenSigned by the Governor on 07/10/2026; Chapter 315; Effective 09/08/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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