New Hampshire’s Energy Market Is Changing—Here’s How to Stay Protected
New Hampshire electricity customers face increasing uncertainty in their electric rates, whether they remain on the default utility service or switch to the New Hampshire Community Power Coalition (CPCNH). Recent regulatory changes and market dynamics have introduced risks that could lead to price volatility, leaving consumers with unpredictable energy costs. In contrast, Neighborhood Energy (NE) and its EnergyMax services offer a more stable and transparent pricing structure, allowing residents and businesses to budget with greater confidence.
A key issue affecting default utility rates in New Hampshire is the Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) decision to allow utilities to procure 12.5% of their default service load on the day-ahead market. While this move may seem beneficial in a declining market, it exposes ratepayers to financial risk if market prices rise unexpectedly. Instead of securing long-term stable contracts for the entire load, utilities are now forced to purchase a portion of their energy at short-term prices, increasing the potential for cost spikes that customers must absorb. NE, in conjunction with EnergyMax services, provides fixed-rate plans and strategic energy management that shield consumers from these fluctuations.
Another financial risk facing New Hampshire electricity customers is an under-collection issue related to EverSource NH’s General Voltage (GV) category. The PUC has ruled but is now reconsidering that all ratepayers must cover this shortfall, effectively shifting costs onto customers who had no role in the under-collection. This decision creates additional uncertainty in future rate adjustments and could lead to unexpected bill increases. By contrast, NE and EnergyMax services offer predictable pricing options.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised regarding CPCNH’s ability to sustain sub-market rates in a rising energy market. While CPCNH claims to offer competitive pricing, there are questions about how these rates are maintained and whether they might be artificially low during initial enrollment periods. If market conditions shift unfavorably, CPCNH could be forced to raise prices, exposing customers to unanticipated rate hikes, NE with its transparent pricing model and EnergyMax’s comprehensive energy solutions, eliminates this risk, providing long-term stability that CPCNH may not be able to guarantee.
Given these factors, Neighborhood Energy, in partnership with EnergyMax services, emerges as the superior choice for budget certainty. While utility default service and CPCNH introduce potential rate instability due to PUC decisions and market-driven risks, NE and EnergyMax provide a clear and predictable pricing structure that empowers consumers to plan their energy costs with confidence. By choosing NE and EnergyMax, New Hampshire residents and businesses can safeguard themselves against regulatory uncertainties and market fluctuations, ensuring greater financial stability in their electricity expenses.