Energy Costs Expected To Double In NH

NASHUA, NH — Eversource customers could be in for a rude awakening this summer, as their energy service rates are expected to more than double starting Aug. 1.

Energy rates change twice a year for Eversource customers in New Hampshire, on Feb. 1 and Aug. 1. Typically, summers see a decrease in price, but this year the energy company projects a massive jump, from 10.669 cents per kilowatt-hour to 22.566 cents.

"On average, our New Hampshire customers use 25% more electricity during the summer months and that can get costly," Penni Conner, an Eversource executive said.

To "avoid spikes in their energy bills," Conner recommends customers take advantage of the company's energy efficiency programs, including their new Cooling Calculator, which can help you figure out how much your cooling appliances are costing you.

Eversource also recommends a few other energy-saving measures:

• Set air conditioners around 78 degrees. For every degree higher, they'll use 1-3 percent less energy.
• Keep air vents unobstructed.
• Only use major appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, early in the morning or late at night.
• Keep blinds closed during the day — doing so can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to certified LED lights, which run cooler and last longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and turn them off when you leave a room.