NHEC sets summer power rates

PLYMOUTH — New Hampshire Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors has approved changes to the Co-op power rate and regional access charge, which will result in an overall bill decrease for most residential members of about 4 percent, or $5.06 per month. The new rates will take effect with bills rendered on or after May 1.

The Co-op power portion of members’ bills will decrease from the current winter rate of 9.8 cents per kilowatt-hour to 9.6 cents per kWh for the summer. The Co-op power charge includes the cost that NHEC pays to purchase electricity from the wholesale electricity market. The cost of this power is directly passed through to members who have not chosen to purchase electricity from a competitive supplier. The Co-op power charge does not fund NHEC’s operations. Last May, NHEC set its summer rate at 6.5 cents per kWh.

The May 1 rate changes will also include a 23 percent decrease in the regional access charge portion of members’ bills. The regional access charge includes the costs NHEC pays transmission companies to deliver electricity to its distribution system. The rate also includes the state-required refund of regional greenhouse gas initiative proceeds. As with the Co-op power charge, the costs NHEC incurs from transmission companies are passed directly through to members.

For more information about NHEC rates, charges and fees, visit: www.nhec.com/rates-tariffs/.