Challenge

In fall 2024, in response to new statutory requirements under SB 391, the New Hampshire Dept. of Energy opened stakeholder initiatives to draft both interconnection and net metering rules for distributed energy resources. While the two topics were soon separated into different proceedings, fundamental legal questions hampered the interconnection group’s progress, as did the difficulty of reconciling divergent stakeholder views. The Department’s goal to develop a formal set of interconnection rules within a year was in doubt.

Approach

EPDI was brought in when an experienced party, sensing both a lack of progress and EPDI’s ability to rectify it, made an introduction to the Department. By taking over group facilitation and structuring the group’s approach to considering critical policy issues, EPDI channeled expertise where it was needed most and helped the group gain traction. EPDI’s involvement began when the proceeding was well underway; in only five more months, the stakeholder group delivered a complete set of interconnection rules to the Department, a month ahead of the original deadline.

Results to Date:

• Full set of draft interconnection rules completed ahead of schedule and submitted to a formal rulemaking
• Educated stakeholders on addressing common interconnection policy issues, laying the groundwork for current and future rulemakings and working groups
• Provided a structured policy development approach that can be adapted, replicated and scaled to any number of regulatory policy issues
• Minimized burden on Department staff