As New Hampshire begins to experience summer's heat, Eversource is reminding customers their energy usage, and therefore bills, will rise as air conditioners and fans work overtime to keep their homes and businesses cool. During the summer months, New Hampshire customers use about 20% more electricity to keep 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 that takes place every August 1 to customers' electric supply - or Energy Service - rate. Significant volatility in New England's wholesale energy supply 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 driving the cost of natural gas and electric 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 take its Energy Service rate. 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 that their residential and small commercial customers use during each six-month rate period, and 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, starting 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 to their current bill. The proposed Energy Service Rate includes the full cost of past market reconciliations and the cost to comply 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 only affects 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 - and 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 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 air flow. 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 is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like 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 prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
- Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
- Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so turn the fan 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.
- 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.
Regardless of financial need, customers are eligible for various payment programs and are urged 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 use less energy and manage energy costs.
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship, is named among America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for 2026 and recognized as the #1 utility on USA Today's list of America's Climate Leaders for 2025. Eversource is New Hampshire's largest electric utility, serving nearly 549,000 homes and businesses in 206 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,600 homes and businesses in nine communities. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of more than 10,500 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 Energy Efficiency Provider in the Nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.
CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com
