Bill
HB 219
HB 219 updates New Hampshire’s minimum renewable portfolio standards by adjusting eligibility, targets, and compliance processes for utilities and developers.
HB 219 (2026) — New Hampshire
Title: Relative to changes to the minimum electric renewable portfolio standards
Overview
HB 219 proposes changes to New Hampshire’s minimum renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirements for electricity suppliers. The bill aims to adjust the criteria, timelines, and compliance mechanisms associated with the state’s renewable energy goals. The measure has a long committee process with amendments proposed in prior sessions and hearings in 2025-2026, including divisions and reports from the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Purpose and Intent
- To modify the state’s minimum RPS requirements governing the share of electricity sales that must come from eligible renewable energy resources.
- To refine how compliance is demonstrated by electricity suppliers and possibly adjust targets, definitions, or eligible technologies.
- To address administrative, economic, and market considerations related to expanding or tightening renewable energy use in New Hampshire.
Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s trajectory and amendments)
- Eligibility and technology scope: The bill likely revises which energy resources qualify as “renewable” for purposes of the RPS, potentially updating classifications (e.g., solar, wind, hydro, biomass) and associated credit provisions.
- Portfolio targets: The statute’s minimum percentage requirements for each compliance year may be adjusted (e.g., incremental increases, flat targets, or phased timelines).
- Compliance mechanisms: Provisions could modify how utilities or suppliers acquire Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), including trading, banking of credits, or issuance rules.
- Measurement and reporting: The bill may specify reporting requirements, verification processes, and auditing to ensure accurate compliance accounting.
- Penalties and enforcement: The measure could maintain or adjust penalties for non-compliance or delay in reaching targets and describe enforcement procedures.
- Administrative procedures: Changes to rulemaking authority, timelines for compliance filings, and the interaction with state regulatory bodies (e.g., public utilities commission or equivalent) are possible.
Who Would Be Affected
- Electricity suppliers and utilities serving New Hampshire customers, who must meet revised RPS targets with eligible renewable energy.
- Renewable energy developers and project developers seeking to sell electricity or RECs in the New Hampshire market.
- Consumers, indirectly, through potential changes in electricity rates tied to RPS compliance costs.
- State regulatory and oversight bodies responsible for implementing and enforcing the RPS.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduced and referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (initially in January 2026; previously considered in 2025-2026 planning sessions).
- Multiple amendments proposed (notable Amendment #2025-2988h and other amendments in earlier sessions) with committee reports indicating “Ought to Pass with Amendment” and minority reports indicating “Inexpedient to Legislate.”
- Public hearings were scheduled (e.g., hearing on March 19, 2026) to consider the bill’s provisions and amendments.
- The bill’s progression includes executive sessions, work sessions, and potential floor votes, reflecting ongoing negotiation over policy specifics and fiscal implications.
Notes on Impact and Fiscal Considerations
- Fiscal effects depend on how targets and compliance costs shift; tighter requirements could raise near-term costs for some ratepayers but may spur investment in renewables.
- Administrative costs may change if the state expands or tightens REC markets or alters reporting burdens.
Bottom line
HB 219 seeks to update New Hampshire’s minimum renewable portfolio standards by adjusting eligibility, targets, and compliance processes. The bill would directly affect utilities, renewable energy developers, and consumers, with a careful balance between advancing clean energy goals and managing costs. The proposal remains under consideration with amendments and ongoing committee scrutiny as of the 2026 session.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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