Governor Sununu Vetoes Net Metering Bill

Law would make larger solar arrays eligible for credits from utilities

Photo: GLF Media/Shutterstock

June 3, 2019 (CONCORD, NH) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today after New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu vetoed a bill that would make larger solar and hydroelectric facilities eligible for utility credit for the clean energy they produce.

“The Governor’s veto is a giant step backward for clean energy in New Hampshire,” said Melissa Birchard, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Our leaders should be doing everything possible to move us away from dirty fossil fuels, not standing in the way of real progress towards clean energy. Communities across New Hampshire overwhelmingly support this bill, and our legislators must listen to constituents and override this senseless veto.”

Net metering allows solar panel owners to receive credit for the extra energy their panels produce and send back to the grid. The bill, HB 365, would increase the net metering per-project size limit from 1 MW to 5 MW. This would allow towns, school districts, and businesses to more easily control their energy costs while producing clean energy that benefits the entire state.

The bill passed the legislature with wide bipartisan support. It also has the support of New Hampshire’s cities and towns, who understand that clean energy is a healthy and cost-saving investment.

The legislature now has the opportunity to override Governor Sununu’s veto.

CLF experts are available for further comment.

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