New Hampshire

Electricity Market

​New Hampshire was the first U.S. state to pass legislation, House Bill 1392, to restructure its electricity market in May 1996. This restructuring allowed consumers to have a choice in their electricity supplier, competitive pricing and renewable products. The law stated that the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) needed to implement retail choice to all customers no later than mid-1998. However, due to several legal delays, only commercial and industrial customers initially had access to electric choice. By 2003, residential customers had full access to the competitive market and began choosing a third-party supplier.

Gas Market

New Hampshire’s natural gas market is not completely restructured for residential and small commercial customers. Some large commercial and industrial customers can purchase natural gas from a third-party supplier, but it is available to high-usage entities that meet specific volume requirements.

Retail choice offers the potential for competitive pricing, flexible contracts, renewable energy options, and improved customer service compared to traditional utility monopolies. New Hampshire is one of 13 states and the District of Columbia that offer retail energy choice.

RESOURCES FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE

The New Hampshire PUC regulates the electric, natural gas, water and sewer utilities to ensure safe, reliable and adequate service at reasonable rates. The New Hampshire Department of Energy (NHDOE) oversees the state’s website for consumers to compare electric suppliers’ prices, plans and products.

A guide to understanding energy terms can be found in RESA’s online energy glossary. RESA also offers a consumer education guide and an energy shopping guide.

ENERGY SUPPLIERS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

To find electricity suppliers in New Hampshire, visit energy.nh.gov/engyapps/ceps/shop.aspx.

To find natural gas suppliers in New Hampshire, visit energy.nh.gov/consumer/choosing-energy-supplier/commercial-industrial-gas-supplier-list.