Rate Hikes Renew Debate Over New Hampshire’s Energy Future

Concord, NH — New Hampshire residents are confronting the prospect of higher electricity bills as the state's major utilities, Eversource and Unitil, have recently filed proposals for rate increases. These developments have intensified discussions among policymakers and the public about the state's energy future and its role within the regional power grid.

Eversource Seeks 6.75% Increase

Eversource, serving over 530,000 customers in New Hampshire, has requested a 6.75% increase in its distribution rates, citing inflation, aging infrastructure, and storm-related expenses as primary factors. If approved, the average residential customer could see their monthly bill rise by nearly $19 compared to the previous year. The proposed rates are set to take effect on August 1, pending approval from the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

"Costs are rising, as well, and that is also not likely to change any time soon," said Eversource executive Bob Coates during a recent PUC hearing. He emphasized that the rate increase is driven by changing system and customer needs, rather than a failure to control operating costs.

Consumer advocate Donald Kreis expressed concern over the proposed hike, stating, "We represent the interests of the residential customers who face a particularly crushing burden when it comes to affording electric bills.". Kries' office, which is charged with advocating for residential electric users, has historically been more focused on energy efficiency than new generation.

Unitil Proposes 9.2% Rate Increase

Unitil, which serves approximately 75,000 electric customers in New Hampshire, has filed for a 9.2% increase in its electric distribution rates. The company attributes the proposed hike to rising operational costs and investments in infrastructure. If approved, a typical residential customer using 600 kilowatt-hours per month would see an increase of about $11.23 on their monthly bill.

"The reason we're filing for an increase is fairly straightforward—cost increases over time," said Amanda Vicinanzo, Unitil's Manager of External Affairs. "We're trying to align the rates that customers are paying with the operational costs of delivering energy to their homes and businesses."

The review process for Unitil's proposal could take up to a year, with a final decision expected in early 2026.

Calls for Energy Generation Reform

The proposed rate increases have sparked renewed interest in exploring alternative energy generation options to mitigate future cost escalations. One area gaining attention is the development of advanced nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Advocates argue that investing in SMRs could provide New Hampshire with a stable, long-term energy source that is less susceptible to market volatility. Unlike traditional nuclear plants, SMRs are designed to be more flexible and cost-effective, potentially offering a viable solution to the state's energy challenges.

State Representative Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) has been vocal in his support for expanding nuclear energy in New Hampshire. In a recent statement, he said:

"New Hampshire needs clean, reliable, and affordable energy—and no one can argue that expanded nuclear power isn't the answer. Whether it’s in the North Country, the Seacoast, or right here in Salem, I support expanding nuclear energy everywhere in our state. We also have ample land in places like Keene, Plymouth, and Durham that could host next-generation reactors to power data centers, manufacturing, and our communities for generations."

Sweeney also emphasized the importance of an inclusive energy strategy:

"I proudly support an all-of-the-above energy strategy—including nuclear, hydropower, natural gas, renewables, and homegrown innovation—to lower costs and secure our energy future. But let’s be honest: New Hampshire already produces more energy than we use, and yet our ratepayers are stuck subsidizing the consequences of reckless energy policy decisions made in other states through ISO-NE. That’s unacceptable."

He concluded with a call for energy independence:

"It’s time for New Hampshire to put our families and businesses first. We must increase in-state energy production, embrace 21st-century solutions, and strongly consider independence from ISO-NE. If the rest of New England wants to live with their energy shortages and sky-high prices, so be it. We’ll build a better future—powered by New Hampshire, for New Hampshire."

Regional Energy Dynamics

New Hampshire's energy prices are also influenced by regional dynamics within ISO New England, the organization responsible for managing the electric grid across six states. As neighboring states pursue aggressive renewable energy goals and phase out traditional generation sources, the region faces challenges in maintaining a balanced and reliable energy supply.

The retirement of nuclear and fossil fuel plants in other New England states has led to increased reliance on natural gas and imported electricity, contributing to price volatility. By contrast, New Hampshire's openness to exploring diverse energy options, including nuclear, positions it to potentially mitigate some of these regional pressures.

Looking Ahead

As the PUC reviews the proposed rate increases from Eversource and Unitil, the broader conversation about New Hampshire's energy future continues. Policymakers, industry stakeholders, and residents alike are considering how investments in new generation technologies, particularly advanced nuclear, could offer a path toward more stable and affordable energy.

The outcome of these deliberations will have significant implications for the state's economic competitiveness, environmental goals, and the financial well-being of its residents.