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In a groundbreaking move, the New Hampshire legislature has passed a comprehensive reform of the state's public utility laws, aiming to modernize regulations and promote clean energy initiatives. The bill, which has been in development for over two years, was approved by a bipartisan group of lawmakers on a vote of 25-10.One of the key provisions of the new law is the establishment of a renewable energy mandate, requiring public utilities to generate at least 50% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This represents a significant increase from the current requirement of 25%, which was enacted in 2010.In addition to the renewable energy mandate, the law also includes provisions to incentivize the deployment of energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy efficiency programs. Utilities will be required to submit annual plans to the state's public utility commission outlining how they will achieve these targets.Supporters of the legislation argue that it will help reduce carbon emissions, create jobs in the clean energy sector, and lower electricity costs for consumers. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact on utility rates and the reliability of the state's energy grid.Governor Sarah Thompson, who has been a vocal supporter of the bill, praised the legislature for taking bold action to address climate change and promote sustainable energy practices. "This legislation represents a significant step forward for New Hampshire in our efforts to transition to a clean energy economy," she said in a statement.The new law is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving utilities time to adjust their operations and infrastructure to meet the new requirements. The state's public utility commission will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the law and monitoring utilities' progress towards meeting their renewable energy goals.Overall, the passage of this comprehensive public utility law reform marks a significant milestone in New Hampshire's transition to a more sustainable energy future. As the state continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, this legislation represents a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.