Energy company offers ways to keep cool without breaking the bank

MANCHESTER, N.H. (June 20, 2025) – With the potential for the first heat wave of the year in the forecast, bringing temperatures well into the 90s and high humidity later this weekend and into next week, air conditioners and fans will be working overtime at many homes and businesses. During the summer months, Eversource customers in New Hampshire use about 20% more electricity to keep cool when the mercury soars, and that increase can be even greater when the state experiences multiple heat waves like it did last year. While high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, the energy company is prepared to meet the increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that may arise. Eversource system operators are constantly monitoring the system and are ready to reroute power and shift other resources as necessary.

“We’re always preparing for whatever the weather may bring so our customers have reliable electric service during every season, especially the hot and humid days of summer when air conditioners and fans are cranking,” said Eversource President of New Hampshire Electric Operations Bob Coates. “To make sure the grid can handle the increased demand during extreme heat in the summertime, we regularly conduct ground and aerial inspections of the electric distribution system so we can detect and address any issues in advance of a potential problem. This is also the time of year when energy bills tend to spike as a result of that higher usage, and we certainly saw that last summer when the state experienced record-breaking heat, including several heat waves. We’ve been reminding our customers of the simple steps they can take to manage their energy use, and we want to make sure they are aware of every option that can help keep their bill from skyrocketing along with the temperatures.”

Eversource reminds customers that increased energy usage always results in higher energy bills. Even if their thermostat is set at the same temperature all summer long, it will use more electricity when it’s 95-degrees outside, as opposed to 80-degrees, because the system is working that much harder to maintain that temperature.

Things customers can do to manage energy usage this summer:

• Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1–3% less electricity.
• Don’t block 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.
• 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 to turn the fan off when leaving the room – fans cool people NOT rooms.
• Grill outside and keep the chill inside. Cooking outside keeps heat created by stove/oven outside of the home. To learn about the many energy saving programs available, visit Eversource.com.

Help is available for customers who need it:

Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its 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. 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.

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 corporate citizenship, is recognized as the #1 U.S. utility on TIME’s List of World’s Best Companies for 2024. Eversource is New Hampshire’s largest electric utility, serving nearly 544,000 homes and businesses in 206 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,600 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