Paul Panish

I’m writing to express my support for HB 755-FN because it removes key barriers that are preventing fair competition and cost-saving energy solutions in New Hampshire. Outdated regulations and weak enforcement allow utilities to maintain control over market access, making it difficult for local energy projects to compete, resulting in higher costs and antiquated supply mechanisms. This bill addresses those problems by opening up and modernizing essential parts of the electric grid and billing system. One of the biggest issues is the lack of retail metering options that would allow more energy suppliers to compete and give customers more choices. Expanding retail metering would finally give customers the freedom to choose innovative energy solutions and pricing models, rather than being locked into outdated utility-controlled structures. Additionally, allowing interval metering is a necessary step toward a more modern and efficient grid. Many customers and businesses want to take advantage of time-based pricing and demand response programs, but utilities have resisted adopting modern metering technology—keeping customers from accessing tools that could lower costs and improve efficiency. HB 755-FN would empower customers to better manage their energy use and reduce costs. The bill also provides for load settlement, ensuring that energy suppliers have accurate data on electricity consumption. Without standardized load settlement, competitive suppliers are forced to operate with incomplete or delayed data, making it harder to fairly compete with utilities that control the system. Fixing this will allow for more accurate billing and market transparency. Finally, modernizing the billing system is critical to making all of these reforms work. The current system is outdated and favors monopoly utilities over competitive suppliers. By updating billing processes, HB 755-FN ensures that customers can easily access their usage data, receive fair billing, and take advantage of new energy options. These changes are necessary to remove artificial barriers that protect utility monopolies at the expense of ratepayers. By expanding metering options, improving energy tracking, and modernizing billing, HB 755-FN will create a more competitive and consumer-friendly energy market. I urge you to support this bill to help lower costs, encourage innovation, and give customers more control over their energy choices. New Hampshire residents deserve a fair energy market that works for everyone, not just utility monopolies. I urge you to support HB 755-FN and take this important step toward a more competitive and consumer-friendly energy system.