New Hampshire Senate Sends Compromise Net Metering Legislation to Governor Sununu

January 30, 2020

Contact Name: Sara Persechino

Phone: (603) 271-3479

Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us

CONCORD - Today, the New Hampshire Senate concurred with a House of Representatives report on SB 159 which would raise the limit on net metering from 1 to 5 megawatts, greatly expanding the potential for solar energy in New Hampshire, especially for municipalities. SB 159 was amended in the House to address some of Governor Sununu’s concerns; as amended and adopted, this net metering bill requires 50% of energy produced by the generator to be used on site, resulting in less energy being put back on the grid. Current statute sets that requirement at just 20%.

SB 159 will next be enrolled with the Secretary of State’s office and then go to the governor’s desk for his action.

After the vote, Senate Majority Leader Dan Feltes (D-Concord) and Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Senator Martha Fuller Clark (D-Portsmouth) issued the following statements:

“Lawmakers worked hard to enact a bipartisan compromise in SB 159 that addresses the governor’s concerns while ensuring more businesses and municipalities can reap the benefits of expanded solar savings by raising the net metering cap. It’s critical for property tax payers and the future of our state’s economy and climate that Governor Sununu sign this bipartisan legislation as soon as it reaches his desk.”

Senator Fuller Clark (D-Portmsouth) added, “Raising the cap on net metering is an opportunity to lower energy costs for New Hampshire ratepayers and help reduce our reliance on natural gas--we simply can’t let this opportunity pass by yet again. Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate have worked together to put a proposal before the governor that everyone can agree moves New Hampshire forward - now it’s time for Governor Sununu to do his job and sign this bill.”

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