Amid rising power prices, NH could step back from renewable energy

• New Hampshire lawmakers have passed two bills that will significantly alter the state’s energy policy. The legislation shifts focus from renewables towards fossil fuels following a study that found New England’s decarbonization efforts may cost the region $815 billion by 2050.
• House Bill 504 prioritizes affordability and efficiency by emphasizing market-driven energy sources. House Bill 682 eliminates the Office of Wind Energy and related committees.
• Supporters argue the bills promote energy independence and cost savings. Opponents warn of lost clean energy opportunities, job impacts and long-term environmental consequences.

---

Full Story

Lawmakers in New Hampshire have approved two bills that will significantly impact the state’s energy policy. The pieces of legislation, House Bill 504 and House Bill 682, from the New Hampshire House of Representatives are expected to shift the state away from renewable energy at a time when other states in New England are reportedly projected to spend hundreds of billions on their own decarbonization efforts.

What does House Bill 504 do?

House Bill 504 updates the state’s energy policy to emphasize affordability and efficiency by prioritizing market-driven energy sources, including fossil fuels. Supporters argue that the bill removes regulatory barriers and promotes energy independence.

Meanwhile, opponents have expressed concerns that prioritizing fossil fuels overlooks the role of renewable energy in the regional power grid, which they claim could help lower electricity costs.

What does House Bill 682 do?

House Bill 682 eliminates the Office of Wind Energy from New Hampshire’s Department of Energy and dissolves committees focused on offshore wind workforce training and port development.

Republican lawmakers backing the bill cite its alignment with a recent executive order from President Donald Trump, which aims to curb offshore wind development over concerns about its impact on fisheries and marine life.

Democrats in the state legislature who oppose the bill argue that it removes New Hampshire from future discussions on offshore wind projects, thereby limiting clean energy opportunities and potential job creation.

They also reference studies that indicate offshore wind turbines are not responsible for whale deaths and warn of the long-term consequences of prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy investments.

How will these laws impact New England energy prices?

The passage of these bills comes several months after a report found that renewable energy mandates could double energy costs in New England.

Multiple regional policy organizations estimate that achieving New England’s decarbonization goal of an 80% emissions reduction by 2050 could cost approximately $815 billion. It could potentially result in higher electricity rates and an increased risk of blackouts.

However, because New Hampshire does not share certain clean energy policies with its neighboring states, the study projects that it could save the region approximately $56.5 billion over the same period.