Energy.gov

'''Note: New Hampshire enacted legislation (H.B. 1353) in June 2010 that expanded the state's net-metering policy. The new law took effect August 2010, and the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission is working to promulgate new rules. The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission opened a docket (Docket 10-216) and has issued proposed rules. Written comments were due April 29, 2011.This record will be updated when the final rules are promulgated. The proposed rules do not significantly amend the interconnection procedures.'''

All electric utilities in New Hampshire are required to provide, upon request, net metering to customers who generate electricity using renewable-energy systems with a maximum capacity of 100 kilowatts (kW). The aggregate limit on net-metered systems is 1.0% of each utility's annual peak load. The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) originally established interconnection rules for net-metered systems in January 2001.

Applicants for net metering must submit a standard interconnection application to the utility. Net-metered systems must comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, and with national safety and equipment standards as set forth by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the National Electrical Code and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). New Hampshire's rules also include safety and power-quality requirements for systems that do not use inverters.

Systems that connect to the grid using inverters that meet IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 safety standards do not require an external disconnect device (there are certain exceptions, see rules for details). However, the customer-generator assumes all risks and consequences associated with the absence of a switch, and a warning label must be posted near the service meter. Before final approval and interconnection to the grid, a customer-generator must conduct a load-break test to confirm that the anti-islanding controls are functioning.

Utilities may not require customer-generators to perform additional tests, or pay for additional interconnection-related charges. Insurance is not required. Customer-generators and utilities enter into a mutual-indemnity agreement unless both sides agree to another arrangement.

Legislation enacted in 2010 (H.B. 1353) increases the net metering capacity to one megawatt (1 MW). In addition, the legislation has changed the aggregate capacity limit of net metered systems from 1% of utility's annual peak energy demand to 50 MW for the state. Each utility's aggregate capacity will be calculated by multiplying the state cap (50 MW) by the individual utility’s share of the "total 2010 annual coincident peak energy demand." The proposed net metering rules may spell out exactly what that means for the utilities in the state. The new net metering legislation distinguishes between small (up to and including 100 kW) and large customer generators (over 100 kW to 1 MW) and applies slightly different rules to each customer generator type.

Legislation enacted in 2011 (H.B. 381) includes combined heat and power as eligible for net metering. Certain efficiencies must be met. A combined heat and power system of at least 1 kW but less than 30 kW must have a fuel system efficiency of at least 80%. A system greater than 30 kW but less than 1 MW (the state net metering limit) must have a fuel system efficiency of at least 65%. In addition, combined heat and power net metered systems can only contribute up to 2 MW under the aggregate capacity limit of 50 MW.