When Milford State Rep. Maria Perez’s solar panels broke and she couldn’t get them repaired, the numbers on her electricity bill startled her. Her first month’s bill was $350, the second was $420, and the third was $438.
“We either have comfort and pay our bills, or put food on the table, or we pay for medical insurance,” said Perez, who said she was forced to choose between basic necessities due to utility rate increases.
Eversource and Liberty have set their energy supply rates at more than 22 cents per kilowatt hour since August, nearly doubling the previous 10 cents and 11 cents respectively. Unitil’s rate will go from 10 cents per kilowatt hour to 26 cents – a whopping 160% increase – in December.
Perez and other Granite State residents worried about paying their utility bills attended the N.H. Utility Rate Hike Town Hall in Concord to learn about the resources available to assist them through the winter and to brainstorm the next steps.
New Hampshire Renews, a campaign to inspire a greener economy, hosted the event at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center to discuss how recent utility rate increases affect everyday life. Donald Kreis, the state’s consumer advocate, Leah Richards, an energy assistance program director with the county Community Action Program, and Dan Weeks, Vice President of Business Development at ReVision Energy were the panelists.
Laconia resident and former State Representative Mo Baxley said she unplugs all of her appliances and electronics while not in use. To save money on her energy costs, she keeps just her refrigerator plugged in.
Energy costs have an impact on more than just households.
Anne Grossi, a Bedford resident, discussed the challenges faced by small businesses such as family-owned restaurants. She said a restaurant she frequents in Manchester, which has just been open for two years, is barely making it with the utility costs rising.
“Their electrical bill has more than doubled since the rate rise,” said Grossi.
One of the most commonly asked questions throughout the discussion was whether there was another affordable way to obtain energy services.
Kreis reminded people that they are not required to accept such exorbitantly high default energy service rates.
“There are other competitive energy suppliers you can switch to, but there are pitfalls that come with it,” Kreis explained. “If you switch to a competitive supplier, you are going to end up in a commitment for an extended period.”
A list of utility companies by town can be found on the NH Department of Energy website.
Aside from switching suppliers, focusing on renewable energy and breaking down obstacles to increase the production of solar, wind, and other alternative energy sources will help customers reduce their electricity bills.
Solar energy contributed 16% and 20%, respectively, of Vermont’s and Massachusetts’ total in-state electricity net generation in 2021, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. However, solar power generated just 1% of the electricity used in New Hampshire.
“I think engagement in elections, legislative proceedings dealing with issues like community power ” is needed to change the situation, said Weeks.
With winter quickly approaching and energy costs risings, making sure Granite Staters have the means to heat homes was an immediate priority.
Under certain conditions, customers are shielded from utility provider disconnections between November 15 and March 31.
Richards advised people who receive notices of utility disconnections to get in touch with their county Community Action Program, which can help them with their energy needs.
While discussing next steps, Erika Perez of the NH Youth movement, who has no relation to Maria Perez, said the approaching elections offer the public an opportunity to have their concerns addressed.
“We can get them on camera to ask – ‘Will you vote for rate caps that would prohibit utility companies from increasing rates by 100%? Will you vote to diversify New Hampshire’s energy resources to include more renewable energy?’ ” said Perez.