HB 1628-FN - AS INTRODUCED

2022 SESSION

22-2536

12/11

HOUSE BILL 1628-FN

AN ACT directing the department of energy to generate a report on the microgrid project currently in progress at the university of New Hampshire in collaboration with the regional utilities.

SPONSORS: Rep. Somssich, Rock. 27; Rep. Hamblet, Rock. 31; Rep. Meuse, Rock. 29

COMMITTEE: Science, Technology and Energy

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

ANALYSIS

This bill requires the department of energy to generate a report on the microgrid project at the university of New Hampshire in Durham.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

22-2536

12/11

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Two

AN ACT directing the department of energy to generate a report on the microgrid project currently in progress at the university of New Hampshire in collaboration with the regional utilities.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1  Legislative Findings and Purpose.  The general court finds that the first microgrid in New Hampshire is currently under construction on the campus of the university of New Hampshire in Durham in collaboration with the regional utilities and a consulting company.  A microgrid can be described as a localized energy system that can be disconnected from the traditional, centralized electricity grid to operate autonomously.  This type of system has been implemented in small neighborhoods and large municipalities.  The most well-known example of this type of installation is operated by the United States military, which operates many microgrid sites, including sites at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.  However the benefits of microgrid sites for small communities that partner with other communities, and the safety enhancement of emergency services for all municipalities, have not been fully explored in New Hampshire.  Using the university of New Hampshire microgrid as a learning experience can be very useful because this project will highlight barriers to microgrid projects.  If New Hampshire can benefit from the application of microgrids, the microgrid project at the university of New Hampshire can be invaluable.

2  Report.

I.  The department of energy shall generate a report describing:  

(a)  The goal of the microgrid project at the university of New Hampshire in Durham;

(b)  The progress of the project to date and barriers that are limiting the progress of the project; and

(c)  New Hampshire communities where a microgrid project may have the greatest impact.

II.  The department of energy may collaborate with any relevant stakeholders to generate the report.

III.  The department of energy shall submit the report to the house science, technology and energy committee, the senate energy and natural resources committee, the governor, and the state library on or before November 1, 2022.

3  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect upon its passage.

LBA

22-2536

Revised 1/19/22

HB 1628-FN- FISCAL NOTE

AS INTRODUCED

AN ACT directing the department of energy to generate a report on the microgrid project currently in progress at the university of New Hampshire in collaboration with the regional utilities.

FISCAL IMPACT:      [ X ] State              [    ] County               [    ] Local              [    ] None

METHODOLOGY:

This bill would require the Department of Energy to issue a report on the microgrid project currently underway at the University of New Hampshire, Durham.  The report would include: the goal of the project, the progress to date and identification of any barriers that are limiting progress, and identification of New Hampshire communities where a microgrid project may have the greatest impact.  The report shall be issued on or before November 1, 2022.

The Department of Energy states the first two requirements for the report can be accomplished with existing staff and funding.  The cost of the third requirement to “describe New Hampshire communities where a microgrid project may have the greatest impact” is interminable.  The phrase ‘greatest impact’ is not defined, and the level of analysis needed, and whether the effort  could be accomplished with existing staff and funding would depend on further clarification of "greatest impact".

AGENCIES CONTACTED:

Department of Energy