Press Releases/What’s New

The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) Board of Directors has announced an 18 percent decrease in the Portsmouth Community Power base electric rate compared to the rate Eversource has requested from the Public Utilities Commission for the same period. A base rate of 8.6¢ per kilowatt-hour for residential and small commercial customers goes into effect from August 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025 for Portsmouth and other CPCNH customers.

Out of an abundance of caution, the City is closing the sidewalks and travel lanes abutting the property of 278 State Street. Crews from the Department of Public Works have placed barriers around the building. This closure includes a portion of State Street near Pleasant Street, and Church Street.  

The City Water Department has published the Water Supply Report for the Second Quarter of 2024. Leading the report is detailed information regarding the fact that the Portsmouth and Pease drinking water systems are currently experiencing very high demands in the system due to irrigation and cooling system demands. 

The seasonal gardens of Prescott Park are in their prime, following weeks of planting, weeding, and cultivation. The City of Portsmouth Parks & Greenery Department is inviting the public to join members of the gardening team for free weekly tours of the formal gardens. 

Jazmin Diaz Barrientos, 23 of Newmarket, New Hampshire, turned herself in on an arrest warrant yesterday. Barrientos is charged with Second Degree Assault (Felony B), 2 counts of Criminal Threatening with a Deadly Weapon (Felony B), Reckless Conduct (Felony B), 2 counts of Simple Assault (Misdemeanor A), and Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor B). She was released on personal recognizance bail and will be arraigned at Portsmouth 10th Circuit District Court. (All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty).

The City of Portsmouth presents the annual fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at South Mill Pond (across from Portsmouth City Hall). This celebration is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event. The rain date is Friday, July 5.

UPDATE: The South Mill Pond dog park will close starting at 7 am on TUESDAY, July 2 for staging of the fireworks.

Formed in 2022, the City of Portsmouth’s Energy Advisory Committee (PEAC) helps to assess renewable energy options for residents and businesses. PEAC successfully guided the City into an agreement with the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) and facilitated the transition from Eversource as the default electricity supplier to Portsmouth Community Power (PCP). Portsmouth customers using PCP now have four electricity options with increasing proportions of renewable energy, from 24.3% to 100%.