New Hampshire House Democratic lawmakers Peter Somssich, Jacqueline Cali-Pitts, and Kenneth Vincent introduced legislation on Jan. 2 that would establish a task force to investigate the near- and long-term applications of microgrids to better manage demand on the primary grid, allowing for lower customer bills and more efficient use of electricity. (HB 238)

• The bill recognizes microgrids as a new tool for community renewable energy projects, self-generation, and self-consumption, and seeks to test pilot projects to identify the “most promising and financially viable applications.”
• The measure emphasizes the ability of microgrids to reduce overall demand on the grid providing benefits to utilities by lowering transportation and delivery costs as well as customers in the form of lower electricity bills and storm resilience.
• The task force would be required to submit a report to the legislature before Nov. 1, 2020.