New Hampshire led the nation in deregulating its electricity market in 1996. Today, commercial and industrial businesses can choose competitive suppliers to secure low fixed rates and reduce their energy bills. While utilities still deliver electricity and maintain the poles and wires, companies can shop for supply contracts that fit their budget and sustainability goals.
The Granite State also offers limited natural gas choice for business customers in areas served by Unitil and Liberty Utilities. Choosing a natural gas supplier allows you to lock in per-therm rates and avoid seasonal price volatility.
Electricity Market in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Electric Utility Restructuring Law unbundled generation and opened the retail market to competition. Businesses can select a third‑party supplier instead of taking basic service from the utility, which can result in lower per‑kilowatt‑hour costs and the ability to lock in a long‑term contract. The state’s investor‑owned utilities include Eversource New Hampshire (serving most of the state), Unitil, Liberty Utilities, and the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative. These utilities continue to deliver power and handle outages, while competitive energy suppliers provide the generation portion of your bill.
Natural Gas Market in New Hampshire
In parts of New Hampshire where pipeline gas is available, businesses may also be able to choose their natural gas supplier. Unitil’s Northern Utilities division and Liberty Utilities deliver gas to customers in towns like Portsmouth, Concord, and greater Manchester. Licensed natural gas marketers offer supply contracts with fixed per‑therm pricing, giving commercial customers an opportunity to budget fuel costs and avoid seasonal price volatility.
Commercial Energy Tips for New Hampshire Businesses
- Review contract length, pricing structure and early termination fees before signing.
- Consider bundling electricity and natural gas contracts to simplify management and potentially receive volume discounts.
- Optimize energy usage by adopting energy-efficient equipment and smart building automation.
- Compare offers from multiple electricity and natural gas suppliers to find low fixed rates.
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