New Hampshire Approves $230K Study to Examine Leaving ISO-New England Power Grid

The New Hampshire Executive Council approved a $230,056 contract with Boston-based London Economics International, LLC to study the feasibility of withdrawing from ISO-New England and potentially disconnecting from the regional power grid.

This feasibility study, prompted by House Bill 690, was approved on Jan. 28 and will evaluate the costs, benefits, regulatory gaps, and new restrictions of leaving ISO-NE. 

According to a New Hampshire Bulletin report, no state has withdrawn from ISO-NE. Withdrawal would require directing in-state ISO-NE members to exit, since ISO-NE is a nonprofit regional operator (ISO stands for Independent System Operator). ISO-NE coordinates the region's power flow and wholesale markets. A state, however, can't unilaterally withdraw, but it could push in-state members to depart.

The New Hampshire Bulletin noted that the study will assess potential costs and benefits of withdrawal, regulatory gaps, and what oversight would look like without ISO-NE guidance, while examining how to maintain in-state energy reliability. If New Hampshire withdrew, it could not rely on neighboring states for energy during shortages. In that event, the state might require a tailored in-state contract with Seabrook Nuclear Power Station or with an alternative fossil/biomass generator.

Seabrook Nuclear Power Station often meets New Hampshire's power demand. Withdrawal from the regional power grid, however, would necessitate a New Hampshire-specific contract to cover outages or maintenance when Seabrook is unavailable.

Supporters say the study will show how other states' renewable policies — such as offshore wind and solar — affect New Hampshire's rates, noting that New Hampshire has not pursued similar investments.

According to New Hampshire Department of Energy Commissioner Jared Chicoine, external consultants are needed at this stage because the department lacks internal tools and economic modeling software to answer specific questions posed by the bill. 

Chicoine told the New Hampshire Bulletin that he expected the study to be completed by this July.