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SB 589

relative to port electrification, microgrid development, and cybersecurity standards for energy and water systems.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Altschiller and 6 co-sponsors

SB 589-FN promotes energy resilience by advancing port electrification, microgrids, and mandatory cybersecurity programs for public water and wastewater systems.

II. Remainder Effective 06/19/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 589

Summary of New Hampshire SB 589-FN (Amended)

Jurisdiction: New Hampshire | Session: 2026
Committee: Energy and Natural Resources
Sponsor: Sen. Watters et al. | Co-sponsors: McGhee, Altschiller, Avard, Perkins Kwoka, Pearl, Rosenwald, Cloutier, McGhee

Purpose and Intent

SB 589-FN seeks to strengthen energy resilience and cybersecurity across energy and water systems. The bill focuses on port electrification, microgrid development, and cybersecurity standards for energy resources, public water systems, and wastewater facilities. It establishes a port electrification task force, advances ongoing microgrid evaluation, and requires cybersecurity programs for public water and wastewater utilities.

Key Provisions

1) Microgrid Definition

  • Adds a formal definition of “microgrid” to RSA 162-R: a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources that can operate connected to or islanded from the grid, enhancing reliability and resilience. Includes capabilities such as modeling/testing tools and integration of diverse generation and storage.

2) Port Electrification Task Force

  • Creates a Port Electrification Report task force under RSA 162-R:7.
  • Members: chair (Director of the Division of Ports and Harbors) and designees from DOT, DOE, and the Department of Business and Economic Affairs.
  • Mandate: Produce a report identifying:
    • Feasible charging infrastructure, on-site generation, and energy storage for hybrid/fuel-cell ships and portside power for conventional vessels.
    • Regulatory barriers and compliance with state, federal, and international rules.
    • Cost estimates, funding sources, and private development models.
    • Transmission and interconnection siting.
  • Timeline: Report due by June 30, 2027. Distributes copies to key state leaders and committees.

3) Microgrid Investigation Phase II

  • Within 120 days after effective date, the Department of Energy (DOE) must begin an ongoing proceeding to examine microgrid development in NH.
  • Stakeholders to consult: electric utilities, microgrid tech companies, DG project developers, high-density load businesses, etc.
  • Focus areas include financing options (e.g., C-PACER), identifying interested political subdivisions/industrial users, sandbox regulatory approaches, cybersecurity standards, pilot project needs, and evaluation criteria.
  • Deliverable: Findings and recommendations to the Legislature within one year of initiating the study.

4) Cybersecurity and Electric Grid Interconnection Guidelines

  • DOE to initiate a 120-day proceeding to determine:
    • The need for cybersecurity guidelines/standards for distributed energy resources.
    • Appropriate venue for adoption (rulemaking, statutory changes, or integration into existing processes).
  • DOE to report findings within one year, including recommendations for statutory or rule changes.

5) Cybersecurity Protection Programs for Public Water and Wastewater

  • Establishes Cybersecurity Protection Program requirements for:
    • Public water systems (RSA 485:3-e).
    • Public wastewater facilities (RSA 485-A:5-f).
  • Programs must be commensurate with system size/complexity and adopted via DES rules.
  • Exemptions: Systems not using Internet-connected control systems are exempt.
  • Definitions cover steps to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer networks and related infrastructure.

6) Repeal and Effective Dates

  • Repeals the prior port electrification task force (RSA 162-R:7).
  • Effective dates: Most provisions take effect upon passage; the port electrification report section takes effect July 1, 2027.

Potential Impacts

  • Local Government and Utilities: Possible upswings in municipal expenditures starting FY 2027 for cybersecurity upgrades in public water and wastewater facilities, depending on rules adopted by DES and facilities’ needs. The fiscal note indicates indeterminable costs per facility, with rough estimates ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per affected facility.
  • State Agencies: DOE and DES gain new investigative and regulatory responsibilities, including stakeholder engagement, potential rulemaking, and guidance development.
  • Industry: Encourages investment and pilot testing of microgrids and port electrification infrastructure; could foster private-public partnerships and new financing mechanisms.
  • Public Health and Safety: Strengthened cybersecurity for critical water and wastewater facilities aims to reduce risk of cyber-induced service disruption.

Summary

SB 589-FN advances energy resilience and cybersecurity by creating a port electrification task force, expanding microgrid inquiry, establishing cybersecurity standards for energy resources, and mandating cybersecurity programs for public water and wastewater systems. It emphasizes planning, funding, regulatory pathways, and pilot-readiness while providing timelines to inform legislative oversight.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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