New Hampshire Electricity Information
New Hampshire’s electricity generation comes primarily from nuclear power, natural gas, and renewables like hydroelectric and wind. Nuclear energy provides the largest share, helping to keep emissions relatively low compared to states reliant on fossil fuels. However, New Hampshire imports a significant portion of its electricity, contributing to some of the highest electricity prices in the country. The state continues to invest in clean energy, with policies encouraging the growth of solar and wind power to reduce long-term costs and emissions.
Understanding Energy Deregulation
New Hampshire is a deregulated energy market. This means you have the power to choose who supplies your electricity, potentially saving money on the “Supply” portion of your bill.
- Supply vs. Delivery: Your bill is split into two main parts:
- Supply: The cost of the actual electricity you use. You CAN choose this provider.
- Delivery: The cost to transport electricity to your home (maintaining poles, wires, and meters). You CANNOT choose this provider; it is determined by your location (e.g., Eversource, Liberty, Unitil, or NH Electric Co-op).
- How to Shop: Visit Energy.NH.gov to compare rates from different suppliers against your utility’s “default service rate.”
Tip: Always check the contract terms. Some third-party suppliers offer low introductory rates that spike after 6 months.
Find Electricity Providers In New Hampshire
Ranks 44th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 23.51¢ /kWh
Ranks 47th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $143.14
Ranks 34th Cheapest in the U.S.
Electricity Production By Source
Emissions From Electricity Generation
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Renewable Electricity Generation
11.92% of Total Production
Energy Usage in New Hampshire
Electricity consumption in New Hampshire is shaped by its New England climate, which features cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Heating demand is high in winter, though many homes rely on fuel oil or natural gas rather than electricity. Summers are mild compared to other regions, keeping air conditioning use relatively low. With a strong focus on energy efficiency, New Hampshire works to balance its seasonal energy needs while transitioning to a more sustainable power grid.
Municipal Utilities in New Hampshire
While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of New Hampshire offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In New Hampshire, 1 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.
Largest Electric Companies in New Hampshire
The rest of New Hampshire receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:
New Hampshire Natural Gas Information
New Hampshire looks different from most of New England because far fewer homes use natural gas. About 28% of households heat primarily with gas, while 40% still use heating oil and 15% use propane, a mix that reflects limited gas infrastructure outside the southern corridor. Winters are long and cold, so residential gas demand jumps in season, but the electric power sector uses more than half of the gas consumed in-state and drives summer and shoulder-season needs when air-conditioning loads rise. New Hampshire also moves a lot of gas through its pipes to neighbors, with about 80% of the gas entering the state flows back out, which makes pipeline logistics as important as price.
Largest Natural Gas Companies in New Hampshire
Many of the residents of New Hampshire receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.
Find Natural Gas Providers In New Hampshire
New Hampshire Internet Connectivity
Largest Internet Providers in New Hampshire
When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in New Hampshire have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping New Hampshire homes online and in the loop:
Find Internet Providers In New Hampshire
Going Solar in NH: What You Need to Know (2025 Update)
If you are considering solar panels, be aware that state incentives have recently changed.
- State Rebate Status: Important: The state-funded residential solar rebate (formerly ~$0.20/watt) was repealed in 2024 and is no longer available. Be wary of older articles or sales pitches that promise this specific state check.
- Federal Tax Credit: Homeowners can still claim the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on their federal tax return for solar and battery storage systems.
- Net Metering: New Hampshire offers "Net Metering," which allows you to earn credits on your electric bill for excess energy your panels send back to the grid.
- Note: The credit is typically less than the full retail rate (you usually get credited for the energy supply + transmission + 25% of distribution).
- Property Tax Exemption: Many NH towns have adopted a Solar Property Tax Exemption. This ensures your property taxes don’t go up just because you increased your home's value with solar panels. You must file Form PA-29 with your town to claim this.
Private Wells & Water Quality
Unlike many other states, nearly 50% of New Hampshire residents rely on private wells for their water rather than a public city supply.
- Testing is Your Responsibility: There is no state requirement to test existing private wells, so safety is entirely up to the homeowner.
- What to Test For: The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) recommends testing every 3–5 years for the "Standard Analysis," which includes:
- Arsenic & Uranium: Naturally occurring in NH bedrock and very common.
- Radon: A radioactive gas that can dissolve into well water.
- PFAS: "Forever chemicals" that are an increasing concern in the state.
- Resource: Use the NHDES Be Well Informed tool to interpret your lab results and see if you need a filtration system.
Internet Options for Rural Areas
In major towns like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord, you likely have access to Xfinity (Comcast) or Breezeline. However, options change quickly as you move into rural towns.
- Fiber Expansion: Fidium Fiber (by Consolidated Communications) has been aggressively expanding into rural NH, offering gigabit speeds in many towns that previously only had DSL. Check their coverage map before assuming you are stuck with slow speeds.
- Satellite Internet: For off-grid or very remote homes where cable and fiber don't reach:
- 5G Home Internet: T-Mobile and Verizon offer 5G home internet in some semi-rural areas. This can be a cheaper alternative to satellite if you have a decent cell signal at your house.
Moving Checklist
- Transfer Dates: Call to switch utilities at least 2 weeks before your move.
- Propane/Oil Levels: If your new home uses propane or oil heat, check the tank gauge immediately upon moving in. You typically "buy" the remaining fuel in the tank from the previous owner at closing.
- Snow Plowing: If you have a long driveway, line up a snow plow contractor before the first freeze. They fill up their schedules by October.
Utility Costs in New Hampshire
The average monthly total utility bills in New Hampshire is $278.81, which is 0.6% higher than the national average.
Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in New Hampshire
If you are struggling to keep up with high energy costs, New Hampshire offers several statewide and local programs to help prevent service disconnection and ensure your home stays warm.
General Assistance Programs
Most state-sponsored aid is administered through five Community Action Agencies (CAAs) located throughout the state. You can apply for multiple programs during a single appointment.
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Electric Assistance Program (EAP): This statewide program provides income-eligible customers with a discount on their monthly electric bill, ranging from 8% to 86%. It is available to customers of Eversource, Liberty Utilities, NH Electric Co-op, and Unitil.
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How to Apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency to schedule an appointment.
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Fuel Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Federally funded assistance to help pay for heating costs, including oil, propane, kerosene, wood, electric, and natural gas. Benefits typically range from $100 to over $2,000 depending on household income and energy costs.
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How to Apply: Applications are accepted starting in late summer/early fall. Visit the NH Department of Energy FAP page for details.
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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): If you qualify for fuel assistance, you may also be eligible for free home upgrades (like insulation and air sealing) to permanently lower your utility bills.
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Learn More: Visit NHSaves Income-Eligible Energy Assistance.
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Neighbor Helping Neighbor: A private charitable fund for those who may not qualify for federal assistance but are facing a temporary financial crisis and potential disconnection.
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Contact: Call your local CAA to ask about this specific fund.
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Special Programs for Seniors
Older adults in New Hampshire often receive priority processing for fuel assistance and may qualify for additional local support.
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Early Application Window: Seniors (typically 60+) are often allowed to apply for the Fuel Assistance Program in July, months before the general public (usually September). Contact your local CAA early in the summer to secure your appointment.
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Senior Energy Assistance Program (SEAS): Operated specifically in Cheshire and Sullivan Counties by Southwestern Community Services, this program provides up to $500 for elderly households who are slightly over the income limit for standard fuel assistance.
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Learn More: Visit Southwestern Community Services Energy Assistance.
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Support for Veterans
Veterans in New Hampshire have access to specialized funds designed to prevent homelessness and maintain housing stability.
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Friends of Veterans: This non-profit serves veterans in New Hampshire and Vermont, offering financial grants to help pay for rent and utilities to prevent homelessness.
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Operation Helping Hands: Run by the Energy Marketers Association of NH, this program provides heating oil or funds to veterans and active-duty military families in need during the winter.
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): Organizations like Veterans Inc. and Harbor Care run SSVF programs that can provide temporary financial assistance for utilities to veterans and their families who are at risk of losing their housing.
Resources for Students
While full-time students often face strict eligibility rules for federal energy assistance, university-specific emergency funds can bridge the gap during a crisis.
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University Emergency Funds: Many NH colleges maintain emergency funds for students facing unexpected financial hardships, including utility bills.
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UNH Students: The Student Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA) fund helps eligible students with essential expenses.
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Rivier University: The Student Emergency Fund can assist with non-tuition emergencies.
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Dartmouth College: Undergraduate deans can connect students to the 4E Fund for essentials and emergencies.
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211 New Hampshire: Students living off-campus can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211nh.org to find local food pantries and community resources, which can free up budget for utility payments.
Learn more in the Student Utility Guide
Find Utility Providers In New Hampshire
Utility Providers by City in New Hampshire
| City Name | Population | Municipal Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 9,710 | No |
| Claremont | 12,955 | No |
| Concord | 43,552 | No |
| Dover | 89,874 | No |
| East Merrimack | 4,609 | No |
| Franklin | 8,766 | No |
| Hampton Beach | 2,480 | No |
| Keene | 22,969 | No |
| Laconia | 16,786 | No |
| Lebanon | 14,316 | No |
| Manchester | 167,568 | No |
| Nashua | 235,982 | No |
| North Conway | 2,393 | No |
| Pinardville | 4,849 | No |
| Portsmouth | 97,455 | No |
| Rochester | 32,317 | No |
| Somersworth | 11,964 | No |
| South Hooksett | 5,906 | No |
| Suncook | 5,008 | No |
| Tilton Northfield | 2,868 | No |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.







