The Sustainable Energy Division was created in 2008 to assist the Commission in implementing specific state legislative initiatives focused on promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency and to advance the goals of energy sustainability, affordability and security.

Important recent state legislation includes the Electric Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Act, HB 873, which was enacted to increase the use of renewable energy in the electric power sector, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, HB1434, which was enacted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy use in New Hampshire that contribute to global climate change.

The Commission is charged with implementing New Hampshire’s electric RPS program. The RPS Act requires each electricity provider in New Hampshire to meet customer load by purchasing or acquiring certificates representing generation from renewable energy, thereby creating a market for renewable energy certificates (REC’s) in New Hampshire. Electricity providers are also required to file annual compliance reports with the Commission. In addition, the Commission reviews applications from electric generation facilities seeking REC certification.

The Sustainable Energy Division assists the Commission in administering the Renewable Energy Fund (see Puc Rule 2507; see also HB873) and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund (See Puc Rule 2604; see also HB1434) to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and initiatives in New Hampshire.

The Commission works closely with the state’s new Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy (EESE) Board to promote and coordinate energy efficiency, demand response, and sustainable energy programs. The EESE Board provides advice to the Commission on the administration and allocation of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund and is administratively attached to the Commission.

The Division is also charged with managing the statewide energy code program for residential and commercial buildings and setting energy efficiency standards for certain appliances, such as water dispensers, commercial hot food holding cabinets and furnaces (in the event the state is not pre-empted by federal standards).