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SB 591 · 2026 · Senate · Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Utilities owning power generation facilities

AI-generated

allowing utility companies to own or build generation facilities.

Amends standards governing electric utility investment in distributed energy resources, allowing utility companies to own or build generation facilities.AI-generated

Status

Signed into law · May 29, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✓Senate
  3. ✓House
  4. ✓Governor
  5. ✓Law

Analysis

This bill authorizes limited exceptions allowing electric distribution utilities to construct or own generation facilities in New Hampshire, subject to approval by the public utilities commission.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Kevin AvardRPrimeChair· Energy and Natural Resources
  • Sen. Timothy LangRMajority Whip
  • Sen. Howard PearlRVice Chair· Energy and Natural Resources
  • Sen. Sharon CarsonRPresident of the Senate
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
  • Rep. Jeanine NotterRAssistant Majority Leader

Public testimony

8 signed in online · 2 wrote testimony

25% support75% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“We shouldn't be allowing for increased investment in non-renewable energy at the current time, especially with oil prices going up due to the fiasco with Iran.”
— Nathaniel Blair, Salemopposes
“This bill would hurt competition in the energy supply market. Thank you!”
— Lisa Sweet, Ryeopposes

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

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-01-279:00 amSenate Energy and Natural ResourcesSH 103Public hearing
  • 2026-04-0710:00 amHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2026-04-139:00 amHouse Science, Technology and EnergyGP 229Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Energy and Natural Resources; SJ 1
  2. Jan 27, 2026SenHearing: 01/27/2026, Room 103, SH, 09:10 am; SC 2
  3. Mar 5, 2026Sen: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0779s, 03/05/2026; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 8
  4. Mar 5, 2026SenCommittee Amendment # 2026-0779s, AA, VV; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  5. Mar 5, 2026SenOught to Pass with Amendment #2026-0779s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/05/2026; SJ 5
  6. Mar 12, 2026HouseIntroduced (in recess of) 03/12/2026 and referred to Science, Technology and Energy HJ 8 P. 114
  7. Apr 7, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 04/07/2026 10:30 am GP 229
  8. Apr 13, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 04/13/2026 09:00 am GP 229
  9. Apr 13, 2026HouseMajority : Ought to Pass 04/13/2026 (Vote 11-7; RC)
  10. Apr 15, 2026HouseMinority : Inexpedient to Legislate
  11. Apr 23, 2026HouseOught to Pass: MA DV 180-151 04/23/2026 HJ 11 P. 73
  12. May 14, 2026HouseEnrolled (in recess of) 05/14/2026 HJ 13 P. 147
  13. May 14, 2026SenEnrolled Adopted, VV, (In recess 05/14/2026); SJ 13
  14. May 28, 2026SenSigned by the Governor on 05/28/2026; Chapter 108; Effective 07/27/2026

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

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