The energy debate in New Hampshire has been dominated by nuclear power, with two bills now heading to Governor Kelly Ayotte's desk. The first bill, vetoed by Ayotte, aimed to allow electric utilities to own advanced nuclear reactors, a technology not yet approved for use in the U.S. This bill, SB 447, faced opposition from the House and was ultimately defeated. The second bill, HB 221, sought to create a path for utilities to enter power purchase agreements with advanced nuclear reactors and included changes to net metering laws. Ayotte's veto message raised concerns about the impact on ratepayers.
A compromise bill, HB 1738, has been crafted with Ayotte's office, focusing on updates to New Hampshire's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This bill is crucial for securing funding through the program, which New Hampshire has consistently returned to ratepayers in the form of rebates. However, the inclusion of nuclear-related provisions in this bill has sparked controversy among committee members.
Another bill, HB 1775, aims to expand nuclear and gas power generation in the state. It proposes allowing utilities to invest in natural gas or nuclear generation units below 5 megawatts in capacity, effectively excluding nuclear plants. This bill has faced criticism for potentially restoring a vertically integrated monopoly to investor-owned utilities. During the floor debate, concerns were raised about the financial risks and potential impact on ratepayers.
The Legislature's renewed attention on nuclear power is part of a regional push to address high power prices and projected demand hikes. Governor Ayotte has taken several steps to support nuclear power, including issuing an executive order for a nuclear roadmap and sending a letter to the federal government expressing interest in a nuclear partnership. However, nuclear skeptics have raised concerns about climate resilience, nuclear waste disposal, and potential health impacts.
Proponents argue that nuclear energy is a greenhouse-gas-emission-free way to boost New Hampshire's generation. The debate surrounding nuclear power in New Hampshire reflects a broader regional push to explore expanding this technology. As the bills make their way to Ayotte's desk, the future of nuclear power in the state remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and potential compromises shaping the energy landscape.
