Every week, Stateside Associates will feature energy-related legislative, regulatory, and federal programs impacting state and local public policies and proceedings, including upcoming Groups events, activities, and conversations in This Week in Energy.
For more information on our Energy Practice, please contact Taylor Beis.
Generation
LEGISLATIVE
In New Hampshire, HB 1718, introduced on January 7, modifies the definition of "customer-generator" to include energy storage and shifts the authority to adopt rules regarding its installation and interconnection from the Public Utility Commission to the state’s Department of Energy. The measure was signed by Governor Kelly Ayotte on July 10.
In New Jersey, AB 4881, introduced on May 14, establishes the "Power NJ Act" to create a state program supporting the development of at least 1.1 GW of advanced nuclear reactors through the Board of Public Utilities and the Economic Development Authority. The bill implements a "Reliable Capacity Certificate" program requiring electric suppliers to purchase certificates to provide up to 40 years of financial backing for qualified facilities, while mandating project labor agreements and strict ratepayer protections. The measure passed both the Assembly and Senate on June 30 and was signed by Governor Sherrill on July 13.
Affordability
LEGISLATIVE
B 26-0750, introduced on July 8 in the District of Columbia, limits competitive supplier rates to no more than 110% of the utility default rate and prohibits early termination fees for residential customers, aiming to strengthen electricity and natural market consumer protections. The bill also requires suppliers to post standardized contract terms and detailed reporting on rates, enrollment, and sales. It was referred to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment on July 14.
Large Load and Data Centers
LEGISLATIVE
California’s AB 2383, introduced on February 20, requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a distinct retail electric consumer classification for data centers by January 1, 2028. The measure mandates that utilities and load-serving entities file tariffs that prevent cost-shifting to other customers and requires new data centers to sign transmission and interconnection contracts of at least 10 years with early termination fees. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 3.
New York issued Executive Order No. 62 on July 14, establishes a temporary moratorium on the permitting and construction of new or expanded large-scale data centers of 50 MW or more. The order directs the Department of Public Service to conduct a comprehensive environmental review of data center grid and water impacts, while instructing state agencies to develop a Community Investment Framework for host municipalities and evaluate a Grid Acceleration Fund to protect ratepayers from related infrastructure costs. The executive order went into effect immediately upon its signing.
Electricity and Market Issues
LEGISLATIVE
In California, AB 34, introduced on December 2, requires local publicly owned electric utilities to adopt procurement plans and meet specific targets for eligible renewable energy resources, including renewable energy credits, for compliance periods stretching from 2025 through 2030. A January amendment shifted the focus more toward the California Renewables Portfolio Standards Program and hydroelectric generation; the legislation expanded its reach to sync with renewable targets established by the Energy Commission. The measure passed the legislature on June 25 and was signed by Governor Newsom on July 13.
Also in California, AB 1787, introduced on February 10, requires utilities seeking cost recovery for smart meter upgrades to offer customers at least one optional dynamic rate and provide free, near real-time access to their energy usage data. The measure also mandates that the dynamic rate option be provided within 18 months of the upgraded meters entering service. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 3.
Permitting and Siting
LEGISLATIVE
New Hampshire’s HB 1141, introduced on January 7, expands definitions for mining-related terms, defining "mineral" to include copper, gold, silver, diatomite, feldspar, garnet, lime, thorium, and uranium. The measure authorizes rulemaking for permitting, reclamation, and fees based on mineral volume. The measure passed the legislature on June 4 and was signed by Governor Ayotte on July 10.
GROUPS EVENTS
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
Summer Policy Summit
July 19-22, 2026
Minneapolis, MN
Contact: Taylor Beis
