Energy company encourages customers to take advantage of energy efficiency and assistance programs

MANCHESTER, N.H. (December 13, 2024) – With colder weather now in New Hampshire amidst continuing volatility in the energy market, Eversource Default Service Rate electric customers can expect to pay a 14% lower supply price compared to their current rate. The energy company yesterday filed a new electric supply rate with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that, if approved, would take effect from February 1 through July 31, 2025. Eversource does not generate electricity and is required to purchase power on behalf of customers who take the Default Service Rate, and those costs are passed on with no markup or profit to the company.

“A lower price for energy is certainly good news for customers, and we’re pleased that we were able to secure a lower supply rate with power generators,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “This change will not apply to customers enrolled with a community power program or alternative supplier, but we want to remind all our customers that we still have payment assistance programs and cost-effective energy efficiency resources available to help them manage their bills and energy use.”

If approved by the PUC, the Default Service Rate for residential customers in New Hampshire would change from the current 10.4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 8.9 cents per kWh. Combined with other slight adjustments on the delivery side of the bill expected to also take effect on February 1, Eversource customers signed up for Default Service and using an average of 600 kWh per month will see an overall decrease of approximately $9, or 6%, on their total bill compared to their current bill. The supply rate changes twice a year – February 1 and August 1.

This change only affects customers receiving energy supply through Eversource’s Energy Service Rate and not those who receive their energy supply through a community power program or an alternative supplier. The energy company encourages all customers to compare the Energy Service Rate with other available rates to choose the option 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.

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 fixed 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/winter-bill 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 corporate citizenship, is among the top energy companies in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Eversource is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving nearly 535,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,300 homes and businesses in eight communities. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of more than 10,000 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