Rockingham Times

Portsmouth Community Power today shared the news that The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) Board of Directors have announced a new Community Power base electric rate of 10.9 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh), starting on  August 1, 2023. This rate, in effect through January 2024, is expected to generate $5.5 million in savings and $1.7 million in community financial reserves for their 75,000 Community Power customers.

Through the Coalition, Portsmouth Community Power is offering Portsmouth customers the choice of 100%, 50%, and 33% renewable power at rates comparable to the Eversouce base rates.

The August 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024 rate from Eversource will be 12.582 cents per kilowatt hour. The Granite Basic rate (generated with 23.4% renewables) for Portsmouth Community Power customers is set at 10.9 cents per kilowatt hour. Those who have “opted up” to receive “greener” electricity generated with more renewables will be billed as follows:

• Granite Plus (33% renewables) = 11.3 cents/kwh
• Clean 50 (50 % renewables) = 12.3 cents/kwh
• Clean 100 (100% renewables) = 15.2 cents/kwh

“This is a good story,” said Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee member and CPCNH Board Vice Chair Kevin Charette. “One year ago, customers were about to start paying over 22 cents/kwh. Prior to the launch of Portsmouth Community Power, Portsmouth customers were paying Eversource 20.2 cents/kwh. As of right now, with Portsmouth Community Power in place, they’re paying 15.8 cents/kwh through July and then will pay just 10.9 cents/kwh starting August 1.”

Portsmouth residents and businesses do not have to take any action to receive the rate savings starting August 1. Customers may elect to change their rate product option or opt out or opt in (from a third party supplier) to Portsmouth Community Power at any time, and their selection will become effective on the date of their next meter read. For more go to: Portsmouth | Community Power NH

“As a non-profit, we are working to bring innovative solutions, ratepayer savings, and increased community control to our customers and member communities,” said the Community Power Coalition’s first Chief Executive Officer, Brian Callnan. “At its core, CPCNH exists to solve problems, and we are excited to once again bring multiple options and millions of dollars in savings to our customers.”

Since launching in March, the Coalition has created $14 million in value for their members. Once all customers across the twelve “Wave 1” communities are fully enrolled, the Coalition will be the third-largest electrical supplier in New Hampshire. Coalition membership has grown to 35 cities, towns, and counties and now represents more than 24% of the population in New Hampshire.

Original source can be found here.