As New Hampshire begins to experience summer’s heat, Eversource is reminding customers that their energy usage—and therefore their bills—will rise as air conditioners and fans work overtime to keep homes and businesses cool. During the summer months, New Hampshire customers use about 20% more electricity to stay cool when the mercury soars, and that increase can be even greater when the state experiences heat waves like the one last week. Since a customer’s total bill is ultimately determined by usage, energy efficiency measures can result in meaningful energy and cost savings.

At the same time customer usage begins to rise, Eversource has filed its regular adjustment to customers’ electric supply, or Energy Service, rate, which takes effect every August 1. Significant volatility in New England’s wholesale energy market is pushing this rate higher. This volatility is the result of several factors, including one of the coldest winters in more than a decade, which drove natural gas and electricity prices higher, as well as global events, such as the conflict in Iran, further disrupting energy markets and causing costs to surge.

Electric distribution companies, like Eversource, are required to procure power from generators on the wholesale market through a highly transparent process on behalf of customers who receive Energy Service. These supply costs are passed on to customers through the Energy Service rate with no markup or profit to the company. Following adjustments made to that process by state regulators in recent years, distribution companies now participate in the daily spot market to procure 50% of the power used by residential and small commercial customers during each six-month rate period. Those costs are reconciled in the subsequent supply rate adjustments that take place twice a year—February 1 and August 1.

“Recently, we’ve experienced some very hot summers with multiple heatwaves, and with a prolonged stretch of extreme heat already behind us this month, we encourage all our customers to increase the energy efficiency of their home or business,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “Volatility in the energy supply market is leading to higher prices for the power we purchase on behalf of customers at no markup or profit to the company. Rate increases are never welcome news for customers, and we urge them to take advantage of our award-winning energy efficiency solutions as well as take some simple steps at home to help reduce usage and therefore bills. Some of the recommendations we offer may seem simple, but all of these small changes together can make a big difference and result in a drop in your electric usage, which ultimately drives total bills.”

If the company’s filing is approved by the Public Utilities Commission, the Energy Service rate for residential customers in New Hampshire would change from the current 11.3 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 14.0 cents per kWh. As a result, beginning August 1, the typical residential customer using an average of 600 kWh per month is estimated to see an increase of approximately $16.23, or 10.1%, on their total bill compared with their current bill. The proposed Energy Service rate includes the full cost of past market reconciliations and the cost of complying with the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. Additional smaller adjustments to the delivery side of customer bills are also anticipated to take effect on August 1, pending orders from the PUC.

This supply rate change affects only customers receiving energy supply through Eversource’s Energy Service rate. As of March, approximately 40% of Eversource residential customers in New Hampshire receive their energy supply through a community power program or an alternative supplier—not through Eversource’s Energy Service rate. Eversource encourages all customers to compare the Energy Service rate with other available options to choose the one that works best for them. Customers can learn more about supplier options and what to consider before switching on the Department of Energy’s website.

Energy Efficiency Solutions and Incentives

Energy efficiency solutions and incentives are available to help customers save money and energy.

  • Keep air conditioners as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1–3% less electricity.
  • Maintain airflow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs.
  • Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy can be conserved by using heat-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times.
  • Keep blinds closed to block direct sunlight. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
  • Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. These energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
  • Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. Running ceiling fans at a higher speed in the summer helps circulate air more effectively, creating a cooling wind-chill effect. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when leaving the room.

Help Is Available for Customers Who Need It

Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of the company’s payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill.

  • New Start Program: Income-eligible customers can reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months by making on-time monthly payments. Eversource will make up the difference by eliminating or forgiving a portion of the balance enrolled in the program, reducing the amount owed each month.
  • Electric Assistance Program: Customers who meet certain household income guidelines may qualify for a discount rate on their monthly bill.
  • Flexible Payment Plans: Available to all customers, regardless of income, these plans allow customers to pay past-due balances over time.
  • Budget Billing Plans: These plans can help customers avoid seasonal spikes in their energy bills by paying a level amount each month based on average annual usage.

Regardless of financial need, customers are eligible for various payment programs and are encouraged to call Eversource at 800-662-7764 or visit Eversource.com for more information about the variety of programs the energy company offers to connect customers with assistance, help them use less energy, and manage energy costs.