Lauren Glickman

To: Chairman Vose and Members of the House Science, Technology & Energy Committee Fr: Lauren Glickman, VP of Policy and Communications, Encore Renewable Energy Re: Support HB 1718-FN with Clarifying Amendment (OTPA) Dear Chairman Vose and Members of the Committee, My name is Lauren Glickman, and I am VP of Policy and Communications at Encore Renewable Energy, our company is developing community solar projects across New Hampshire that we will own and operate. I am writing in support of HB 1718-FN, with the clarifying amendment being advanced by the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH). Energy storage paired with distributed energy such as solar photovoltaics (PV) helps customers and the grid by capturing excess generation, shifting energy use and exports to higher-value periods, and improving reliability during peak demand and outage events. These benefits are especially important for communities across New Hampshire, where grid disruptions from storms or other extreme weather events can have significant local impacts. However, HB 1718 needs a clarifying amendment to Sections 1 and 4. As written, the bill prohibits an energy storage system added by a net metered customer from ever charging from the grid. Such a hard prohibition against grid charging of batteries does not belong in law without an allowance for exceptions. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) should be able to determine if and when a net-metered customer's battery can charge from the grid, such as the PUC approved in Liberty’s battery pilot where Liberty will charge a net-metered customer’s battery to ensure that it is fully charged when needed shave a system peak and return to the customer ready for a potential power outage. HB 1718 is a modest, enabling bill that: · Advances customer energy autonomy and resiliency; · Supports grid reliability and long-term cost reduction; and · Encourages innovation and future market competition. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to recommend HB 1718-FN Ought to Pass with Amendment (OTPA. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Lauren Glickman VP of Policy and Communications Encore Renewable Energy