NH residents brace for higher electric bills as new pricing rules take effect
New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission approved rate increases from Liberty, Unitil, Eversource, and the Community Power Coalition of NH, meaning most residents will see about $6 to $18 more per month starting Aug. 1 as the supply rate—the cost of electricity itself—rises under a new pricing mechanism that splits purchases between a fixed price and the ISO‑NE daily spot market. The change, driven by a harsh winter, Middle East tensions, and regulators’ attempt to better reflect wholesale costs, requires utilities to recoup prior forecast shortfalls. Critics warn the spot-market component adds price volatility for consumers, while CPCNH members may pay more or less depending on territory; in Unitil and Eversource areas, monthly boosts for coalition members are around $6.11 to $6.47. Consumers can explore other energy suppliers, underscoring ongoing volatility in New Hampshire’s electricity prices.