Streamlining Community Power for Our Towns
Cheshire Community Power allows towns in our county to lower electricity rates and expand renewable energy options for their customers.
The County Delegation adopted the Cheshire Community Power Plan in 2022, and since then the first three towns — Dublin, Fitzwilliam, and Nelson — have voted to join our program. Any Cheshire town may join Cheshire Community Power by Select Board vote.
We are launching service this fall 2023 to realize our goals of creating short- and long-term benefits for Cheshire County energy users.
How Community Power Works
Cheshire Community Power combines the buying power of residents and businesses so that together we can achieve competitively priced electricity.
-
In advance of the launch of Cheshire Community Power, all customers within our participating towns of Ashuelot and Gilsum have been mailed a notice (containing information about their electricity rates and energy supply choice options).
-
We are holding a public information session in Gilsum town to answer questions about the program:
-
Monday, May 6th at 6:00PM, Gilsum Public Library, 650 NH-10, Gilsum, NH 03448
-
-
All customers have at least until May 27th, 2024 — when Cheshire Community Power launches in Ashuelot and Gilsum! — to consider whether to opt-out, opt-in, or opt-up to choose a cleaner power option:
-
Most customers currently on Eversource's default supply service do not have to take any action to benefit from our lower electricity rate: unless they choose to opt-out of the program, they will begin taking service from Cheshire Community Power on the date Eversource reads their meter between on or after June 1, 2024.
-
Select customer groups are not eligible for automatic enrollment (listed below) but may choose to opt-in.
-
-
After the launch of Cheshire Community Power, customers are always free to choose to buy power from Eversource, or from another market option, by submitting notice in advance of their next utility meter read date.
By accessing the power market, we can control price volatility and choose which energy sources to buy or build.
Source
Cheshire Community Power purchases electricity from the sources you choose.
Delivery
Eversource delivers the electricity using the same power line infrastructure and billing mechanisms.
Community
Cheshire Energy Customers save money and have the power to choose new rates and products, and how much electricity comes from renewable sources.
Electricity markets are changing. Customers are generating their own power and adopting new technologies that add value to our energy portfolio.
Cheshire Community Power will harness that value, and empower customers to create a more innovative and cost-effective energy future.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
Electricity Supply Choices
Energy users in Cheshire County can select which energy choice works best for them.
Use the portal or call us at 1-866-603-POWR to choose your power option, or to opt out, and have your Eversource account number handy so we can easily process your selection.
February 1, 2024 - July 31, 2024
Residential, General Service, Outdoor Lighting
* Based on usage of 650 kWh per month
Mid-sized Commercial Customers
The table below shows our Cheshire Community Power monthly variable rates for Primary General Service customers (Class GV) compared to Eversource's supply rate in ¢ per kWh:
Note that variable rates shown for Eversource are charged by the utility based on the amount of electricity you use within each calendar month, whereas variable rates for Community Power are charged starting on the date within each month when Eversource reads your electricity meter. Refer to our FAQs for more details.
Exceptions to Automatic Enrollment
Certain customer groups will NOT be automatically enrolled in Cheshire Community Power, including:
-
Customers buying electricity from a third-party supplier.
-
Net Metered customers.
-
Large General Service (Class LG), Backup Service (Class B) and Commercial & Industrial electric vehicle charging station customers (Class EV-2).
If one of these exceptions applies to you, contact us to discuss your options or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
View the Environmental Disclosure Label for the electricity we provide to customers.
Why Customers Choose Community Power
Community Representation
Cheshire County joined dozens of other New Hampshire cities and towns to create our own locally accountable nonprofit power agency — Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire.
Cheshire towns help to oversee the Coalition's governance and finances
through their representation on its Board of Directors.
Lower Costs
Our electricity supply rates are lower than the distribution utilities' supply rates.
Streamlined Access,
and Minimized Regulatory Burden
Cheshire shoulders administrative and regulatory approval burdens on behalf of participating towns.
NONPROFIT
Generating Member-owned reserve funds to keep rates stable low over time, and to reinvest back into benefiting Cheshire.
LOCAL CONTROL
The Coalition is managed and overseen by Member Counties, Towns, Cities.
We have representatives on CPCNH Boards and Committees, ensuring our interests are represented and our voices heard.
Terry Clark
Board Director of the
Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire
Coalition Finance Committee
Cheshire County Commissioner
Christopher Coates
Member Alternate to the
Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire
Cheshire County Administrator
COMMUNITY POWER COALITION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Through the Coalition, we tap into the advanced expertise to give customers the highest quality service, and the collective leadership required to drive important policy reforms at the state level.
Together, we are leading the way towards a more innovative and resilient energy system for the Granite State.
Contact Center
Reach out to our Contact Center to opt-in, opt-out, opt-up to cleaner power, or with any other questions or comments you may have:
-
1-866-603-7697 (POWR)
