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Bill

SB 236

relative to transferring control of the Electric Assistance Program to the department of energy.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Avard and 11 co-sponsors

New Hampshire law transfers the Electric Assistance Program's administration from its current agency to the Department of Energy, effective August 23, 2025.

Enrolled Bill Amendment # 2025-2401e Adopted, VV, (In recess of 06/26/2025); SJ 17
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Bill Summary · SB 236

Legislative bill overview

SB 236 transfers administrative control of New Hampshire's Electric Assistance Program from its current agency to the Department of Energy. The bill was signed into law on June 24, 2025, and became effective on August 23, 2025. This represents a restructuring of which state department oversees utility assistance for eligible ratepayers.

Why is this important

The Electric Assistance Program provides bill payment assistance to low-income households and vulnerable populations, making its administrative home consequential for program accessibility and funding. Moving oversight to the Department of Energy may affect program operations, eligibility determinations, outreach efforts, and coordination with utility companies. The change affects thousands of New Hampshire residents who depend on this assistance to maintain electrical service.

Potential points of contention

  • Departmental capacity and focus: Whether the Department of Energy has adequate resources and expertise to manage a social assistance program versus a dedicated welfare agency
  • Program continuity and access: Risk of service disruptions, eligibility delays, or reduced outreach during the administrative transition
  • Coordination and funding: How the transfer affects relationships with utility companies, funding streams, and coordination with other assistance programs administered by different agencies

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

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