“Electric bills always go up in the summer due to higher energy use, and that increased usage this year will coincide with multiple rate changes scheduled to take place at the beginning of August, so we’re proactively reaching out to make sure customers know that if they need it, we are here to help,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “We know that any increase to electric bills can be a challenge, and while we won’t know the total estimated bill impact for August until regulators issue a final decision, customers need to be prepared. There are a variety of energy efficiency solutions that can make a real difference in a customer’s usage, which ultimately drives total bills, and we offer several assistance programs and flexible payment plans to help make those bills more manageable. We hope any customer struggling with their electric bill will join us during one of our events or reach out to us so we can work together towards a solution.”

Customers are already starting to see higher bills due to increased summer usage even though rates have not changed. On average, New Hampshire customers use approximately 20% more electricity during the summer months because of air conditioners, fans and other appliances being used to keep homes and businesses cool – and that increase can be even greater during the more frequent heat waves the state has been experiencing in recent years. A customer’s total bill is ultimately determined by usage, and increased usage alone can have a significant impact on monthly bills.

In the midst of the typical summer usage increase, multiple rate changes are also expected to take effect at the beginning of August. The Default Service supply rate changes twice a year – February 1 and August 1 – and next month it’s increasing from 8.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 11.2 cents per kWh. As a result, the typical residential customer using an average of 600 kWh per month will see an overall increase of approximately $13.61, or 9.9%, on their total bill when compared to their current bill. Eversource does not generate electricity and is required to purchase power on behalf of customers who take its Default Service rate, and those costs are passed on with no markup or profit to the company. Close to half of all Eversource residential customers in New Hampshire receive their energy supply through a community power program or an alternative supplier and will not be impacted by this rate change. However, energy supply prices are increasing across the state and region based on the current market conditions, regardless of supplier, and Eversource encourages customers to review their supplier options and choose the one that’s best for them.

Additional adjustments to the delivery side of customer bills are also anticipated to take effect on August 1, which include Eversource’s distribution rate review and storm cost recovery, as previously announced. The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is expected to make a final decision at the end of July, so total bill impact numbers are not yet available.

The free bill help webinar will be held Tuesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. The webinar will include information about programs to help customers pay their bill or reduce unpaid balances with affordable monthly payments, extended payment plans, and energy efficiency programs to lower energy bills. Registration is required, and customers can sign up here. Additionally, the energy company is holding a free in-person “Let’s Talk Energy” presentation on Wednesday, July 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Nashua Public Library where customers can receive one-on-one bill assistance.

Help is available for customers who need it Customers unable to attend an event can also call Eversource at 800–662–7764 or visit Eversource.com for more information about the variety of programs the energy company offers.

• The New Start Program can help income-eligible customers reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments and Eversource will make up the difference by eliminating or forgiving a portion of the total balance enrolled in the program – reducing the amount owed each month.
• Customers that meet certain household income guidelines may qualify for a Discount Rate on their monthly bill through the Electric Assistance Program.
• Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time.
• Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a level amount each month based on their average annual usage.
• Energy Efficiency solutions and incentives are available to help customers save money and energy.