N.H. To Study Default Service Rate Design (Dynamic Pricing) Under Grid Modernization Review (Barriers to Retail Supplier TOU, Smart Metering Also Included)

The New Hampshire PUC will review the rate design for default service customers under a working group process to consider a variety of grid modernization efforts.

The PUC directed a grid modernization working group to investigate the variety of different rate design opportunities available, such as time-varying rates (including time-of-use rates, critical peak pricing, real-time pricing, and peak-time rebates), fixed charges, minimum bills, flat energy rates, demand charges, and declining or inclining block rates.

"We expect the Working Group to address questions regarding whether and how the electric utilities should offer time-varying rates through energy (default) service offerings, and the role that competitive electric power suppliers should play in offering customers time-varying rates for electricity, as well as any barriers that exist for the implementation of time-varying rate offerings through competitive electric power suppliers," the PUC said

Also of note to retail suppliers is that the working group is to also consider advance metering, and associated customer data and privacy issues

The PUC noted that per RSA 374:62, "no electric utility is allowed to install a smart meter without the written consent of the customer," but said that, "There appears to be some disagreement, however, about exactly what type of 'smart meter' or particular functionality of a meter is covered by RSA 374:62, and therefore whether written consent of customers will be required for all types of advanced meters or just particular capabilities of advanced meters (e.g., communication gateway between the meter and customer devices)."

An initial workgroup meeting is to be held April 29

Docket IR 15-296