New Hampshire HVAC Regulatory Oversight for 2026: Complete Guide

New Hampshire HVAC Regulatory and Licensing Guide 2026

New Hampshire does not require state-level HVAC licensing for general heating and cooling work, though licenses are required for gas fitters and oil heating technicians through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities including Eversource, which serves approximately 71% of electric customers statewide. The Granite State's energy landscape includes significant activity around community power programs, net metering policy, and ongoing rate proceedings. This guide provides comprehensive information for HVAC contractors operating in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC) consists of three commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Governor's Council (Executive Council). Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms. The commission must include one attorney and member of the New Hampshire Bar and one member with background or experience in engineering, economics, accounting, or finance. The Governor appoints one commissioner every odd-numbered year. The NHPUC is headquartered in Concord at 21 South Fruit Street.

Current Commissioners (2025):

Interim Chairman Mark W. Dell'Orfano was appointed in November 2024 by Governor Christopher T. Sununu. Before joining the commission, he served as Assistant Attorney General at the New Hampshire Department of Justice, providing legal counsel to executive branch agencies and representing the state in contested administrative proceedings and federal multistate energy litigation. Previously he practiced environment and energy law at Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, advising clean and conventional energy developers, power producers, energy marketers, and investors.

Commissioner Pradip Chattopadhyay was appointed in December 2021, with term concluding July 1, 2027. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington and M.Sc. in Economics from University of Calcutta, India. He has worked in energy matters for 22 years, including nearly 20 years in New Hampshire as Senior Advisor with NHPUC, Assistant Consumer Advocate with NH Office of Consumer Advocate, Utility Analyst with NHPUC, and briefly with Liberty Utilities.

The NHPUC has jurisdiction over electric, natural gas, water, and sewer utilities for matters including rates, quality of service, finance, accounting, and safety. The commission was formerly known as the New Hampshire Public Service Commission. The commission participates in the New England Conference of Public Utility Commissioners (NECPUC), which provides regional regulatory assistance for electricity, gas, telecommunications, and water issues across the six New England states. Total PUC staff is 17.

Regulatory Environment 2026

New Hampshire's regulatory environment in 2025 has been shaped by net metering policy decisions, community power development, and ongoing rate proceedings.

Net Metering Decision: In late 2024, the NHPUC issued a decision keeping net metering rates the same as they have been since 2017, determining there wasn't enough evidence to support changing rates either way. Commissioners cast doubt on a state-commissioned study meant to determine the value of small renewables on the grid. The commission outlined a process to consider broader net metering changes based partly on proposals from the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (64 towns, cities, and four counties). Issues under consideration include changing rates for power producers, whether small generators should be compensated for avoided transmission costs, and whether energy storage systems should participate in net metering.

Liberty Utilities Rate Case: Liberty Utilities filed a request proposing to increase base electric distribution rates by more than $21 million over a three-year period. Both the Department of Energy and Consumer Advocate Donald Kreis opposed the proposal. The Department of Energy submitted a motion to dismiss, arguing Liberty "cannot meet its burden to prove that the rates it seeks are just and reasonable." Liberty seeks to raise annual revenues by more than $15 million permanently and more than $6 million temporarily.

Energy Rate Context: New Hampshire electricity rates average approximately 20.75 cents per kWh. Energy supply prices change twice annually (February 1 and August 1). After significant rate increases in 2022-2023 due to natural gas price volatility from the Ukraine war, rates have been trending downward. Eversource residential customers saw rates decrease approximately 59% from February 2023 to February 2024.

Energy Efficiency Program Changes: The NHPUC issued a decision in late 2024 that could significantly change energy efficiency programs in the state, affecting programs administered through the NHSaves collaborative.

New Hampshire HVAC Licensing Requirements

State-Level Requirements

New Hampshire does not require state-level HVAC licensing for general heating, cooling, and ventilation work. The state regulates gas fitters and oil heating technicians through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), but does not mandate HVAC licenses for apprentices, technicians, or contractors working on general HVAC systems. HVAC contractors who own businesses working with fuel gas must obtain a state Mechanical Business Entity License.

Mechanical Business Entity License: Required for businesses working with fuel gas. Requirements include naming a responsible managing employee who must be a New Hampshire-licensed master plumber, fuel gas service technician, hearth system technician, or domestic appliance technician, plus a letter of good standing from the Secretary of State's Office.

Fuel Gas Licensing

The Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board under OPLC regulates fuel gas fitting. Effective July 1, 2024, codes were updated to 2021 codes. License categories include:

Fuel Gas Fitting Trainee: Requires trainee endorsement letter signed by licensing sponsor before applying for fuel fitters' license.

Fuel Gas Fitter License: Requires current New Hampshire fuel gas trainee card or equivalent license from another state, signed letter from a licensed gasfitter confirming supervision and minimum competency requirements, affidavit from licensing sponsor attesting to required field experience hours, and proof of education from a board-approved institution.

Fuel Gas Technician License: Requires 100 hours of educational training from a board-approved institution and at least 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience in the HVAC trade (or equivalent board-approved educational setting).

All fuel gas license holders must show proof of at least three hours of code update continuing education for renewal.

Oil Heating Technician Certification

Oil heating technician certification is voluntary, issued by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office. Requirements include at least 4,000 hours of field experience certified by employer affidavit and valid silver or gold certificate from National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) or NATE in oil heating installation or service technician module.

Local Requirements

Some municipalities require additional licensing. Manchester and Nashua both require licenses for commercial and residential HVAC repairs, installation, and renovations. Check with local city government for specific requirements.

EPA Section 608 Certification

Federal EPA regulations require certification for technicians working with refrigerants. The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions within 3 hours. A score of 70% is required to pass. Certification does not expire and is valid in all states.

Business Requirements

All businesses must register with the Secretary of State's Office. Workers' compensation insurance is required if you have employees. No state-wide general contractor license is required.

New Hampshire Utility Directory

Electric Utilities

Eversource Energy: New Hampshire's largest electric provider, serving over 500,000 customers across more than 200 towns and cities. Serves geographically and demographically diverse areas from urban southern areas to rural northern areas. Formerly known as Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH). Committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 for operations. Customer service: 1-800-662-7764.

Liberty Utilities: Serves approximately 46,000 customers in 21 communities in western and southern New Hampshire. Formerly known as National Grid and Granite State Electric Company. Currently involved in contested rate case seeking $21+ million distribution rate increase over three years. Customer service: 1-855-349-9455.

Unitil Energy Systems: Serves customers in seacoast and capital regions of New Hampshire as well as Massachusetts and Maine. Customer service: 1-888-301-7700.

New Hampshire Electric Cooperative: Member-owned cooperative serving approximately 85,000 members in rural areas including lakes region. Governed by member-elected board. Offers Project Care assistance program. Customer service: 1-800-343-6432.

Natural Gas Utilities

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does New Hampshire require a state HVAC license?
  No. New Hampshire does not require state-level licensing for general HVAC work. However, licenses are required for gas fitters through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), and businesses working with fuel gas need a Mechanical Business Entity License.
• What licenses do gas fitters need?
  Gas fitters must be licensed through the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board under OPLC. Requirements include trainee endorsement, supervision by licensed gasfitter, field experience hours, and education from board-approved institution. Continuing education (3 hours code update) required for renewal.
• Is oil heating technician certification required?
  No. Oil heating technician certification is voluntary through the State Fire Marshal's Office. It requires 4,000 hours field experience and NORA or NATE certification in oil heating.
• Do any cities require local HVAC licenses?
  Yes. Manchester and Nashua require licenses for commercial and residential HVAC work. Check with local building departments in your service area for specific requirements.
• Is EPA Section 608 certification required?
  Yes. Federal EPA regulations require certification for technicians working with refrigerants. The 80-question exam requires 70% passing score within 3 hours. Certification does not expire and is valid nationwide.
• What business registration is required?
  All businesses must register with the Secretary of State's Office. Workers' compensation insurance is required if you have employees. No state general contractor license is required.
• What is a Mechanical Business Entity License?
  Required for businesses working with fuel gas. Must name a responsible managing employee who holds a NH master plumber, fuel gas service technician, hearth system technician, or domestic appliance technician license, plus provide letter of good standing from Secretary of State.
• Why are there four electric utilities in New Hampshire?
  New Hampshire restructured its electric industry in 1997, creating competitive retail choice. Four distribution utilities (Eversource, Liberty, Unitil, NHEC) maintain exclusive franchise territories for delivery service, while customers can choose competitive suppliers for electricity supply.
• What assistance programs exist for customers?
  The Electric Assistance Program (EAP) provides discounts of 5-86% on the first 750 kWh for income-eligible customers of all four utilities. The Neighbor Helping Neighbor fund assists households ineligible for LIHEAP. Contact local Community Action Agencies to apply.
• Where can I find HVAC training in New Hampshire?
  Programs include Manchester Community College, New Hampshire School of Mechanical Trades, and Granite State Trade School. Apprenticeships are available through local HVAC employers.

Resources for New Hampshire HVAC Contractors

NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification: oplc.nh.gov

Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board: oplc.nh.gov/mechanical

NH Public Utilities Commission: puc.nh.gov | (603) 271-2431

NH Department of Energy: energy.nh.gov

NH Secretary of State: sos.nh.gov

NHSaves (Energy Efficiency Programs): nhsaves.com

Eversource: eversource.com | 1-800-662-7764

Liberty Utilities: libertyutilities.com | 1-855-349-9455