New Hampshire Utilities Raised Electricity Rates in August

Eversource, Unitil, and Liberty utility companies implemented higher supply and delivery charges across the state.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Utilities

Bold vector editorial illustration of an electrical transmission tower set against forest trees, representing regional utility infrastructure. — Major New Hampshire utility companies, including Eversource and Liberty, implemented increased electricity supply and delivery charges beginning in August. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In August 2026, major New Hampshire utility providers including Eversource, Unitil, and Liberty increased electricity supply rates. These adjustments, paired with record-high transmission and delivery costs, are intended to recover energy market losses and fund infrastructure projects.

Why it matters

Higher supply rates recover underestimated energy market costs, while delivery charges fund critical utility infrastructure such as poles, wires, and substations. These rate-making processes are overseen by the Public Utilities Commission to ensure that while supply costs pass through to consumers, profits are generated strictly via approved delivery fees.

Eversource is currently pursuing a $400 million transmission line project, with 40% of existing structures requiring replacement. Meanwhile, Unitil customers have seen an average monthly distribution charge increase of $10 between 2022 and 2026.

The players

Eversource

This is a major investor-owned utility provider that operates significant transmission and delivery infrastructure across New Hampshire.

Public Utilities Commission

This state regulatory body is responsible for approving rate-making processes and overseeing utility company charges.

Kelly Ayotte

She is the Governor of New Hampshire who has actively lobbied for financial returns to regional ratepayers.

Unitil

This investor-owned utility company provides electricity and natural gas services within the state of New Hampshire.

Liberty

This utility provider operates in the state and previously implemented temporary rates to manage its service costs.

The details

New Hampshire investor-owned utilities set supply rates biannually in February and August, with companies prohibited from profiting on supply costs. The Public Utilities Commission has approved a new formulaic rate-making process for Eversource to manage its infrastructure expansion, while Liberty utilized a temporary rate structure previously implemented in October 2023.

From 2022 to 2026, Unitil distribution charges rose by nearly $10 per month.
In October 2023, Liberty implemented temporary rates following an adjustment request.
In July 2026, Governor Kelly Ayotte requested a $1.5 billion return for regional ratepayers.
In August 2026, new supply rates were implemented and delivery rates reached record highs.

Market Landscape

The current rate adjustments follow the established regulatory framework of the Public Utilities Commission rate-making process, which governs how private utilities recover costs for infrastructure investments. This system creates a predictable path for utility companies to fund long-term projects while maintaining state oversight on consumer billing.

Residents across New Hampshire will see higher monthly electricity bills due to the combination of increased supply rates and record-high delivery charges. These changes effectively raise the cost of essential home energy usage, impacting the monthly household budgets of all customers served by these investor-owned utilities.

The takeaway

Utility companies in New Hampshire must balance the necessity of funding aging infrastructure with the financial burden placed on the average consumer. Residents should monitor future rate-making proceedings through the Public Utilities Commission to stay informed about potential shifts in their monthly utility bills.