Northern Pass Transmission and New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission staff have reached a settlement that would allow the company to conduct business in the state as a public utility.

The settlement, filed with the New Hampshire PUC last week, must still be approved by the commission. It is contingent on the Northern Pass transmission line receiving all state and federal permits.

“NPT asks that the commission find … that it would be for the public good for NPT to engage in business in those towns in which it seeks to construct an electric transmission line and associated facilities,” the settlement says.

“We are pleased to have achieved this settlement that establishes the framework for the safe operation and maintenance of Northern Pass under New Hampshire regulations,” said Bill Quinlan of Eversource Energy, NPT’s parent company.

The settlement says the developer has the technical, managerial and financial expertise needed to conduct business in the state.

Also included in the agreement is a commitment from Northern Pass to provide $20 million, allocated from the developer’s Forward NH Fund, for clean energy programs or economic development initiatives approved by the commission.

– William Opalka