NH grid modernization investigation advances

As part of an ongoing investigation into the modernization of New Hampshire's electric grid, state utility regulators have established the next steps in a stakeholder process for developing the framework for electric distribution utility integrated distribution system plans.

In 2015, as required by state legislation, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission opened an investigation into electric grid modernization. The Commission defined grid modernization as "a broad topic that encompasses many elements, including replacement of aging infrastructure, outage management, the integration of distributed generation, and education of customers on how to manage their energy use for the benefit of the electric delivery system and to minimize energy costs."

After soliciting public comment on grid modernization, the Commission convened a working group of stakeholders, which resulted in a March 20, 2017 report titled Grid Modernization in New Hampshire. Following the working group's report, Commission staff spent two additional years investigating "workable frameworks for modernizing New Hampshire's electric distribution grid in a regulated industry."

Staff's work culminated in a January 31, 2019 report incorporating the policy recommendations of the working group report, and recommending a process and framework for utilities to develop integrated distribution system plans that would accommodate grid modernization. Following a technical session held on May 15, staff identified 11 issues that the stakeholders agreed merit proposals from the group:

1. Cost Effectiveness Methodology
2. Utility Cost Recovery
3. Utility and Customer Data and Third Party Access
4. Hosting Capacity/Locational Value Analysis/Interconnection
5. Annual Reporting Requirements
6. Rate Design Policy
7. Strategic Electrification Policy
8. Consolidated Billing/General Billing
9. Consumer Advisory Council/Stakeholder Engagement
10. Capital Budgeting Process 
11. LCIRP/IDP Integration

On May 29, 2019, the Commission issued a procedural order charting the course forward. In that order, the Commission accepted its staff's recommendations with some modification. Specifically, the Commission solicited written proposals by any party on any of these 11 topics, on or before September 6, 2019, to be followed by two technical sessions in September and October, and a staff report and recommendation by October 17, 2019.