CONCORD The state Public Utilities Commission has granted Liberty Utilities request to sharply increase its rates for the roughly 42,500 electric customers it serves in New Hampshire.

The increase, which kicks in Nov. 1, ranges from 39 percent to 59 percent depending on each customers class and usage, according to the petition filed by Liberty Utilities. The jump for most customers will hover around 47 percent, which means they can expect to pay about $50 more per month through the winter. ... Subscribe or log in to read more

CONCORD The state Public Utilities Commission has granted Liberty Utilities request to sharply increase its rates for the roughly 42,500 electric customers it serves in New Hampshire.

The increase, which kicks in Nov. 1, ranges from 39 percent to 59 percent depending on each customers class and usage, according to the petition filed by Liberty Utilities. The jump for most customers will hover around 47 percent, which means they can expect to pay about $50 more per month through the winter.

While Liberty Utilities is the Nashua areas chief supplier of natural gas, its electricity division, the former Granite State Electric, serves 23 towns, including Derry, Pelham, Windham and Salem. Its chief electric customer base is in the states Upper Valley region and northwestern Cheshire County.

The company blames a predicted shortfall in winter gas supplies for the rate increase. A shortage of natural gas pushes the companys costs higher, because natural gas is used to fuel its electric-generating plants.

The increase will nearly double the electric supply charge, which makes up about one-third of most home bills. All Liberty Utilities electric customers, from large industrial and commercial users to homeowners, will be impacted.

We are very aware that this rate increase may be a hardship for some of our customers, company spokesman John Shore acknowledged. Its not something we like to see, obviously. Our customers dont like to see it.

But unfortunately, its what the market is.

Shore advised customers to take advantage of the bill assistance and energy efficiency programs that (Liberty) offers.

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Liberty Utilities electric customers face huge rate increase Nov. 1