Pamela Sopczyk

The Strategic Plan for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is centered around protecting New Hampshire's natural resources and high quality of life. The plan focuses on efficient land use, natural resource sustainability, and waste reduction. It promotes integrated approaches across programs, emphasizes transparent information sharing, and aims for strong environmental compliance through education, partnerships, and stewardship. The plan also addresses climate change by monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner energy use. Additionally, it focuses on providing high-quality customer service and fostering a desirable work environment for NHDES employees, including career development and well-being.

The commission heard presentations on electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charging infrastructure from Eversource, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), Liberty Utilities, and Unitil. Key discussion points included cost competitiveness of EVs, benefits of increased EV adoption for all electric customers, managing the transition to EVs to avoid unintended consequences, various incentive programs for EV adoption, potential rate structures for EV charging, and the role of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The need for a roadmap of EV corridors and the importance of EVSE signage were also discussed. A public comment was received from Greenlots, an open standards charging software company.

The commission meeting covered legislative updates on bills related to autonomous vehicles and zero-emission vehicles, along with a presentation on fuel cell and hydrogen transportation. Discussions included the use of VW funds for EV charging, the timeline for developing and implementing an RFP for charging stations, and an update on alternative fuel corridor nominations. The meeting also featured public comments on charging infrastructure plans and the potential for hydrogen fuel stations.

The commission discussed a draft resolution regarding the utilization of VW Mitigation Trust Funds for supporting DC Fast Charging infrastructure. A statement was drafted and approved, requesting the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI), in collaboration with electric utilities and NHDES, to develop a request for proposals (RFP) to spur private sector investment in DCFC and Level 2 charging along priority travel corridors. The statement also addressed the need for a "make ready" program by electric utilities, and future initiatives for remaining EVSE funds. A presentation on the DCFC proposal plan was given, outlining the RFP development process, targeted corridors, and evaluation criteria. Legislative updates were provided, including the Governor's veto of SB 275 and the status of battery storage bills. Public comments focused on the expiration of GM and Tesla tax credits, the need for consumer awareness and incentives, and the importance of considering ratepayer impacts in the RFP evaluation.

The commission heard a presentation on DC fast charging in New Hampshire, focusing on capital and operating costs, including site acquisition, hardware, electrical work, engineering, permitting, utility upgrades, project management, and construction. Discussion included demand charges as a barrier to DC fast charging and the potential use of energy storage to mitigate these costs. The perspective of convenience stores and transportation fuel distributors was shared, highlighting concerns about market infancy, the impact of subsidies, technological evolution, business models, and fair competition. A legislative update on SB 275 and its fiscal note was provided, along with discussion on the role of utilities in EVSE development and the potential for making electric vehicle registration data available.