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'''Note: Legislation enacted in May 2012 (HB 1296) allowed combined-heat-and-power (CHP) systems to account for up to 4 MW of the state's aggregate net-metering capacity limit of 50 MW. This new law took effect July 13, 2012.'''

New Hampshire requires all utilities selling electricity in the state to offer net metering to customers who own or operate systems up to one megawatt (1 MW) in capacity that generate electricity using solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, tidal, wave, biomass, landfill gas, bio-oil or biodiesel. CHP systems that use natural gas, wood pellets, hydrogen, propane or heating oil are also eligible.* The aggregate statewide capacity limit of all net-metered systems is 50 MW.

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) rules for net metering, which distinguish between small customer-generators (up to 100 kilowatts) and large customer-generators (greater than 100 kW and up to 1 MW), include interconnection provisions. Interconnection for large systems is generally governed by each utility’s interconnection practices as set forth in the utility’s tariff filed with the PUC.

The interconnection provisions include timelines for the application process and inspection process, and guidance for technical studies and analysis (if necessary). Utilities generally may not require an external disconnect switch for inverter-based systems that comply with the IEEE 1547 & UL 1741 technical standards. Specific safety requirements apply to non-inverter-based systems.

Utilities may not require customers to purchase or maintain property insurance or comprehensive personal liability insurance to protect against potential liability resulting from the installation, operation or ownership of the generation and interconnection facility. A mutual indemnity agreement is generally required.

Utilities generally may not require customers who comply with these provisions to meet additional requirements, perform or pay for additional tests, or pay additional interconnection-related charges.

* CHP systems up to 30 kW must have a system efficiency of at least 80% to be eligible. CHP systems greater than 30 kW and up to 1 MW must have a fuel system efficiency of at least 65%. CHP systems may account for a maximum of 4 MW of the state’s aggregate net-metering limit.