Withdrawing From ISO-NE Should Be A Tri-State Effort by Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont

New Hampshire is commissioning a $230,046 study by London Economics International to assess the feasibility of withdrawing from ISO-New England (ISO-NE), the regional electric grid operator. Approved by the Executive Council in early 2026, the study (ordered by HB 690) aims to insulate state ratepayers from costs linked to other New England states' environmental policies. 

The study will run for one full year, with expected completion by July 2026.

  • Key Questions: The Department of Energy is investigating what regional functions New Hampshire would need to replace and how it would manage energy, especially when the Seabrook nuclear plant is offline.
  • Feasibility Issues: ISO-NE officials have stated that a withdrawal is "unprecedented" and that the grid was not created with "carve-out provisions" for individual states.
  • Scope: The New Hampshire Department of Energy is assessing regulatory gaps, potential new state responsibilities, and the economic impact of operating independently or under an alternative structure.