AARP NH Opposes Eversource’s Proposed Rate Increase for Residential Customers

AARP New Hampshire strongly opposes Eversource’s proposed rate hike that would increase electricity costs for its residential customers by more than $258 per year or $21.53 per month on average. Eversource has structured the rate hike in a way that would place most of the increase on its residential customers. AARP New Hampshire represents more than 212,000 members statewide, primarily age 50 and older, and 86% live within the Eversource provider area.

“Any rate increase should not fall disproportionately on residential customers. A $258 annual increase in electricity costs will negatively and disproportionately impact residential customers trying to make ends meet. This rate hike is a pocketbook issue for older New Hampshire residents and their families who could be forced to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for medicine, groceries and other essentials,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Christina FitzPatrick.

AARP New Hampshire also objects to two other aspects of the proposal. First, Eversource is proposing fundamental changes to the way utility rates are reviewed in the future, which would pave the way to virtually automatic annual electric rate increases without meaningful scrutiny or public input. Second, one effect of the proposed changes would be to reduce the amount of control that customers have over their electric bill each month.

FitzPatrick added, “The Public Utilities Commission will once again hear from AARP members and older Granite Staters who can’t afford this rate hike on their electric bills and deserve a voice in the process. We’ll continue our fight as the commission considers this case in 2025.”

A hearing on the case is expected in the spring.