New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Dec - Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee
Overview of Dec - Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee
The Dec rules are administrative regulations created to govern the activities of the Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee in New Hampshire.
What is the Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee?
The Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee (NDFC) is a state-appointed body responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of decommissioning nuclear power plants within New Hampshire. Specifically, it manages and monitors the funds collected to safely close and dismantle nuclear power facilities once they cease operation.
Purpose of the Committee
Ensure adequate funding is available for the safe and effective decommissioning of nuclear power plants.
Oversee financial planning and management related to the dismantling process.
Protect public interests by making sure the utilities operating nuclear plants set aside sufficient money to handle decommissioning costs without burdening taxpayers or the state budget.
Establish and enforce rules for the collection, investment, and use of decommissioning funds.
Scope of the Dec Rules
The Dec Code of Administrative Rules defines:
Committee Composition and Operations
Who sits on the committee (representatives from government, utilities, and other stakeholders).
Procedures for meetings, voting, and decision-making.
Responsibilities and powers of the committee members.
Funding Mechanisms
How utilities collect decommissioning funds from customers.
Guidelines for setting rates or surcharges on utility bills.
Schedule and method of collecting funds over time.
Investment of Funds
Rules on how the collected decommissioning money is to be invested.
Limitations on investment types to minimize risk.
Reporting and accountability for investment performance.
Financial Reporting and Audits
Requirements for utilities and the committee to provide regular financial reports.
Independent audits to verify the adequacy and proper use of funds.
Transparency measures to keep the public and government informed.
Use of Funds for Decommissioning
Procedures for accessing and using funds once the plant is being decommissioned.
Conditions under which funds can be released.
Oversight to ensure funds are used only for decommissioning activities.
Compliance and Enforcement
Penalties or actions for utilities or parties failing to comply with funding or reporting requirements.
Powers of the committee to take corrective measures.
Why These Rules Matter
Nuclear power plant decommissioning is complex and expensive, often costing hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
Proper financial management ensures the plant’s closure is done safely, with minimal environmental risk.
Prevents financial shortfalls that could delay decommissioning or shift costs to the state or taxpayers.
Provides transparency and accountability to the public regarding the handling of nuclear decommissioning funds.
Example Scenario
A utility operating a nuclear power plant in New Hampshire is required to collect a small surcharge from its customers. This surcharge goes into a dedicated decommissioning fund. The Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee monitors this fund, ensuring that:
The right amount is collected annually.
The funds are safely invested.
When the plant closes, the money is available to pay contractors for dismantling and environmental cleanup.
The Committee reviews financial reports, audits investments, and enforces rules so that the decommissioning project can proceed without financial issues.
Summary Table
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Committee Role | Oversee financing and management of decommissioning funds |
| Funding Source | Utility surcharges collected from customers |
| Investment Rules | Conservative investment strategies to protect funds |
| Reporting | Regular audits and transparency to ensure adequacy |
| Use of Funds | Strictly for nuclear plant decommissioning |
| Enforcement | Penalties and oversight for compliance failures |
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