Passage puts NH on path to more renewable power

By TOM FAHEY
State House Bureau Chief
April 27, 2007

CONCORD – In addition to passing bills on civil unions and minimum wage, the New Hampshire Senate joined the rest of New England in requiring increased use of renewable energy sources.

The Senate passed House Bill 873 by a unanimous vote, putting the state on a path toward getting almost 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources, like wind, solar, hydropower and wood burning, by the year 2025. The House passed the bill by a vote of 253-37.

The bill creates a system of renewable energy certificates that power producers and suppliers can buy and sell. The Public Utilities Commission will check on the system's progress on 2011, 2017 and 2025 and recommend changes it thinks will improve it.

Gov. John Lynch has made the 25/25 issue a priority.

He said the bill will give the state "more energy choices, bolster our economy and make our air and water cleaner. It will help create jobs right here in New Hampshire by expanding uses for our wood products, in building clean power plants, and in research and development." Erika Staaf of Environment New Hampshire said the bill "is one of the most significant clean energy bills to ever pass in New Hampshire ... We can now begin to move away form our traditional, polluting energy sources such as coal and gas, and toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future."

Rep. Suzanne Harvey, D-Nashua, prime sponsor of the bill, said the development of renewable sources will "help keep energy investment dollars and jobs in the state to benefit our own economy."

The Senate also approved a funding plan so the PUC's Office of Consumer Advocate can hire a telecommunications consultant on the proposed $2.7 billion buyout of Verizon land lines in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont by FairPoint Communications Inc. The Governor and Council must approve the consulting contract, which would be paid for by a special charge to the two phone companies.

A bill to extend by one hour the time bars can serve alcohol was killed after law enforcement said it would make it more difficult to maintain order and keep drunk drivers off the roads.

The Senate passed HB 169, setting penalties for insurance claim adjusters who knowingly underestimate the extent of damages their customers have suffered.

The bill was a response to alleged low-balling of damages after a hail storm in the Exeter area last year.