New Hampshire State Lawmakers Pass Bill to Spur Low-Income Solar Projects

The New Hampshire legislature approved a measure on May 23 requiring at least two new community solar projects per year in each utility’s service territory to benefit low- and moderate-income ratepayers, starting next year. (SB165)

Under the legislation, the host may choose to receive credits on bills for each member and the host, along with a 3 cent per kilowatt-hour addition for two years starting in July, and a 2.5 cent per kilowatt-hour addition thereafter for low-moderate income projects. Up to 15 percent of the projected demand for these projects will be from non-residential end-use customers.

Regulators are required to report on the costs and benefits of the move, as well as the development of the community solar market for these customer classes by July 1, 2022, and recommend whether the addition can be increased or decreased.