Plaistow selectmen authorize chair to sign letter supporting state bill extending net‑metering for municipal solar

The Plaistow Board of Selectmen voted 4–0 to authorize the chair to sign a letter supporting Senate Bill 538, a state bill that would guarantee 20 years of net‑metering credits for each municipal solar project.

Shay, who briefed the board, said the bill is intended to address investor uncertainty that is deterring large projects. “This bill ensures 20 years of net‑metering credits for solar projects that serve political subdivisions, towns, cities, school districts, etc.,” Shay told the board, adding that without a change credits are only guaranteed through 2040 under current rules.

Shay described the practical consequence for Plaistow: the town’s proposed solar landfill project assumes long‑term net‑metering; without an extension, investors and banks are reluctant to finance such projects. “There’s been at least 12 solar companies that have completely left the state due to this uncertainty,” Shay said, arguing it would help keep clean‑energy businesses operating in New Hampshire.

Selectmen voiced support for the landfill project and for removing the funding uncertainty. Selectman (voice) said he supported the motion because it would help projects move forward; the board’s motion to authorize the chair to sign the draft letter was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote.

The letter will be provided to the chair for signature; Shay said she would deliver a clean copy for the chair to sign. The action is limited to supporting the bill via a letter and does not bind the town to any funding or contracts.

Next steps: the board authorized the signature tonight; the town will not be taking additional formal fiscal action related to the bill at this meeting.