CONCORD, NH - At the end of July, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) released an order increasing bills for energy, distribution, and fixed base assessments. Order 28,170 established a new method to set electric rates and raised Eversource’s “fixed monthly charge” to $43 a month, no matter the electric distribution or supply rates. The AARP filed motions last week for a rehearing on this decision, citing the order as “unjust and unreasonable” because it included matters that had not been a part of the evidence shared in the previous rate case hearings.

“Governor Ayotte’s appointed Public Utilities Commission chair is more interested in lining the pockets of Eversource’s CEO than protecting ratepayers from price gouging,” said Chantelle Rioux, Organizing Director with 350NH Action. “We need elected officials to stop letting monopoly utility companies dictate our policies to line CEO’s pockets and cut funding for clean, affordable energy. We need ratepayer protections and this rehearing to address the unanswered concerns of ratepayers.”

On the heels of GOP cuts to clean energy and energy efficiency programs that lower utility bills, Eversource and the PUC are making it even harder for families to keep up with utility bills. Legislators are making decisions that raise costs for everyday Granite Staters and increase profits for the wealthiest corporation in the state.

For questions on this issue, contact Rebecca Beaulieu, rebecca@350nh.org