Community Power Coalition of NH Announces an Increase in Portsmouth Community Power Rates, Effective August 1, 2026

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has advised its member municipalities, including Portsmouth Community Power, that the electricity supply rates for the next regularly-scheduled rate period of August 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 will increase. The new CPCNH Granite Basic default rate for residential and small commercial customers will be 14.949 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), less than a penny higher than the default utility Eversource rate, which the Public Utilities Commission approved at 14.009 cents.   

The Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee reminds residents that they can switch from Portsmouth Community Power (PCP) to Eversource and back again, at will and without penalty, to take advantage of a lower rate. Electric customers in NH can choose between Community Power, third-party options, or their default utility, which in Portsmouth is Eversource. For more information on Portsmouth Community Power, visit portsnh.co/commpower.

Rates are based upon energy prices CPCNH is able to negotiate on the basis of its aggregated customer base across 68 NH towns and regions. According to the CPCNH announcement, “The adjustment reflects higher energy supply costs associated with wholesale market conditions, including impacts from geopolitical conflicts and increased electricity demand during the past winter.” 

“Community Power rates increased 2% from their winter rates in the first half of the year, while Eversource went up 24% from 11.3 cents to 14 cents. Eversource is still the lowest rate by about $6 per month for basic service customers,” said City Councilor John Tabor, Chair of the City’s Energy Advisory Committee which monitors the Portsmouth Community Power program. 

“New Hampshire Consumer Advocate Don Kreis advised us again at the June 8 City Council meeting that he supports sticking with CPCNH because their financial reserve issues are being addressed, they can advocate on behalf of their statewide customer base of energy consumers and because they afford consumers choices they didn’t have before, which include supporting more renewable power generation in the long term,” Councilor Tabor continued. “Still, our Energy Advisory Committee is watching CPCNH closely.”

Community Power estimates the savings from switching back to Eversource for now could be $6.11/month for the next six months, based on average household use of 650 kwh per month. Customers can move back and forth between Eversource and Portsmouth Community Power with no penalties.

To opt in or out, use Community Power’s online customer portal at communitypowernh.gov/community/portsmouth, call 1-866-603-7697, or email info@communitypowernh.gov.

Eversource also offers customers who need assistance several programs to help them pay their electric bill. Learn about assistance programs at: eversource.com/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance.

“Portsmouth Community Power gives residents and small businesses a choice when it comes to their energy supply,” continued Councilor Tabor. “In the long-term, our residents will benefit from the Coalition’s combined buying power and advocacy on our behalf in the NH Legislature. In addition, being able to select options with higher proportions of renewable sources means the City is better able to achieve its Climate Action Plan by reducing our carbon footprint and saving towards future funding of our own green energy projects.” 

To receive updates about rate changes from CPCNH sign up at communitypowernh.gov/customers.