New Hampshire utilities are expected to change their electricity rates starting August 1. For some, energy costs could increase, while for others, they could decrease.

The state's three investor-owned utilities — Eversource, Unitil and Liberty — are expected to adopt similar rates, at about 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour. These rates are called “utility rates” and make up about half of a monthly energy bill.

This tariff is largely determined by the price that utilities pay producers for electricity, and the companies do not earn from these costs. The supply price changes twice a year, in August and February.

For Eversource and Liberty customers, the change means an increase in current rates. Average Eversource customers could pay about $14 more per month, and Liberty customers could pay about $8 more per month. Eversource's rates are not finalized, and state regulators are requesting more information by July 10.

For Unitil customers, the new rate is lower than the utility's current rate – a reduction of about one dollar per month.

New Hampshire Electric Cooperative's rate of 8.6 cents per kilowatt hour is about two cents less than other utilities. That's less than their current rate, and the reduction is expected to save customers about $8 to $16 a month.

For customers of the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire, who now make up more than 15% of active customers in the state, rates will increase slightly, according to the organization. However, their base rate will be lower than that of the investor-owned utilities and the same as that of the cooperative. Their rate for electricity with 50% renewable content will also be lower than that of the three investor-owned utilities.

Eversource customers will also see an increase in their electricity distribution fee, which represents the cost of delivering electricity. That could be about $9 extra per month.

In 2025, customers would have to expect a further increase of about $13.

According to the company, the increase is due to costs associated with more frequent and unpredictable storms, reliability improvements, and efforts to strengthen the energy system as it ages and new technologies are introduced.