New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) issued an executive order to explore adding more nuclear power to the state’s energy mix.
In the March 26 executive action, Ayotte ordered state agencies, led by New Hampshire’s Department of Energy, to do a review of regulatory and financial factors affecting nuclear deployment.
Once the results of the study are out, New Hampshire’s Department of Energy will prepare a state nuclear roadmap that “identifies the steps, milestones, and resources needed to attract, develop, and deploy nuclear generation in New Hampshire,” according to the order.
The report’s preliminary findings are due within six months of the order and the final report should be completed within two years, Ayotte said in a March 26 press release. The final report will be submitted to the governor, state Senate president, state speaker of the House, chair of the state House Science, Technology, and Energy, and chair of the state Senate Energy and Natural Resources.
The nuclear energy push in New Hampshire comes as the state seeks to lower electric bills, Ayotte said.
“‘Granite Staters’ electric bills are way too high, and bringing next-generation nuclear power to our state will help expand our energy supply and bring down costs for families,” Ayotte said.
Ayotte continued: “Today, I’m directing our Department of Energy to bring together stakeholders, lawmakers and organizations focused on nuclear generation to ensure New Hampshire is at the forefront of this pivotal technology.”
New Hampshire has one operating nuclear plant, Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. Owned and operated by NextEra Energy Resources, Seabrook generates 1,244 megawatts of electricity and is the largest nuclear unit in New England.
According to the Energy Information Administration, Seabrook made up about 56% of New Hampshire’s total in-state electricity generation in 2024.