New Hampshire Energy Regulators Reject Universal Charge Proposal from Unitil
In a significant win for consumers and the competitive energy market, New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission has rejected Unitil’s proposal to impose additional costs from its electricity supply programs on all customers, not just those enrolled in them. The move has been hailed by state officials, community power advocates, and commercial suppliers, who argued that this could undermine competition and potentially breach state law.
Unitil, one of the state’s main utility companies, sought this change following a directive to clarify how reconciliation charges—adjustments based on discrepancies between estimated and actual energy costs—should be managed. These charges affect customers who rely on Unitil’s default supply and do not encompass those participating in community power or using competitive suppliers.
The recent rise in community power enrollments, along with new purchasing strategies mandated by state regulators, has further complicated the situation. These changes necessitated a tighter approach to managing utility costs amidst fluctuating market conditions.
The commission’s decision mandates that Unitil continue enforcing reconciliation costs solely on default supply customers, ensuring that those who opt for alternative energy suppliers are not impacted. While the ruling offers immediate relief to consumers, the commission indicated that future discussions regarding reconciliation processes may occur, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the state’s energy landscape.
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