New Hampshire Law Expands Municipal Aggregation, Paving Way for More Clean Energy

Republican Governor Christopher Sununu signed legislation on Aug. 2 that allows municipalities and counties the option of implementing aggregation programs, in which retail electric customers will be automatically enrolled unless they opt out. Previously, community choice aggregation was allowed only for residents who consent to being included in the program.

Municipalities can also operate energy efficiency and clean energy districts adopted with the approval of their governing body. The legislation also allows municipalities to run aggregation programs as self-supporting enterprise funds including the use of revenue bonds and loans from other such funds provided there is a clear nexus to the purpose of the funds.

Municipal aggregation allows purchases electricity in bulk on behalf of the residents and businesses within the community. The opt-out approach allows for a mass of participants that is needed to achieve economies of scale, and also boosts the prospects of harnessing local, community-based efforts to advance renewable energy.

Sununu vetoed legislation that sought to establish a commission to investigate the cost-effectiveness of procurement of renewable energy generation resources.