Don Kreis explains why New Hampshire residents will see electricity bills rise by $6 to $18 starting August 1.

Don Kreis, the state’s consumer advocate, noted that New Hampshire residents will see a monthly electricity bill increase of between $6 and $18 beginning August 1. The Public Utilities Commission approved these rate hikes for three investor-owned utilities and the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire. Kreis attributed the rising costs to three primary factors: a particularly harsh winter, instability in the Middle East, and a new regulatory mechanism for setting rates. Under the new rules, utilities must purchase 50% of their electricity on a daily spot market. Because the utilities underestimated the costs of this variable market during the recent winter, they are now charging customers to recoup those losses. While some advocates argue the new model leaves consumers vulnerable to unpredictable weather, others defend the system. Eversource spokesperson William Hinkle noted that the interest added to cover these losses is minimal. The administration of the state's energy landscape continues to balance the need for competitive pricing with the realities of global market pressures.

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