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New Hampshire (US-NH)

Market Type: Deregulated (Retail Choice)
SSS Relevance: ⭐⭐⭐ High
Grid Carbon Intensity: ~127 gCO₂/kWh

SSS Factors: significant nuclear capacity, hydroelectric resources, no mandatory RPS

1. Overview​

New Hampshire operates a deregulated electricity market managed by the regional transmission organization, ISO New England (ISO-NE) [3]. In this structure, power generation is competitive while the delivery of electricity remains a regulated monopoly handled by four primary utilities [3]. As of March 2026, the state reports some of the highest electricity rates in the United States, with average residential rates ranging from 23.35 to 25.00 cents/kWh [3].

Despite high costs, New Hampshire maintains a relatively clean electricity grid. As of the 2024–2025 period, the state's carbon intensity is estimated at 175 gCO2eq/kWh (approximately 280 lbs CO2/MWh), significantly lower than the U.S. national average of 818 lbs CO2/MWh [1]. This low carbon intensity is driven by a generation mix where roughly 70% comes from "clean" sources [1]. The Seabrook Station nuclear plant is the dominant contributor, accounting for 57–60% of total generation, often making the state a net exporter of electricity [1][3]. The remaining generation consists primarily of natural gas (~26–32%), followed by hydropower (7–8%) and other renewables (wind, solar, biomass) [1][2][3].

Regarding specific clean energy mandates, the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires 25.2% of electricity sales to come from renewable resources by 2025 [2]. As of late 2024, actual consumption from renewable resources was approximately 13.7%, with total in-state renewable generation reaching 17% in 2024 [2]. Emerging market trends include the adoption of Community Power Aggregations and new legislation (HB 672) permitting off-grid microgrids for large industrial users [3].

2. Market Structure​

New Hampshire operates a deregulated electricity market with retail choice, allowing residents and businesses to select a competitive energy supplier for the supply portion of their bill. The physical delivery of electricity and infrastructure maintenance remain the responsibility of regulated local utilities 1.

Utility Landscape​

The state's distribution is handled by four primary utilities, serving approximately 98% of the market 1:

  • Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs):
    • Eversource Energy: Serves approximately 71% of the state 1.
    • Liberty Utilities: Serves about 6% in western and southern NH 1.
    • Unitil Energy Systems (UES): Serves roughly 10% in the Seacoast and Capital areas 1.
  • Cooperative:
    • New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC): A non-profit, member-owned entity serving about 11% in central NH 2.

Aggregation and Community Power​

Following legislation passed in 2019, New Hampshire has seen the rapid expansion of Community Power programs. These programs allow municipalities to aggregate buying power to purchase electricity supply on behalf of residents. The Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) has become the state's second-largest electrical supplier as of 2024, serving member communities like Hanover, Lebanon, and Portsmouth 3. Under this model, the legacy utilities continue to handle physical delivery and billing 3.

Regional Grid Operation​

The bulk power system is managed by ISO New England (ISO-NE), which serves as both the Independent System Operator and Regional Transmission Organization for the state and the region. ISO-NE is responsible for grid operations, wholesale market administration, and power system planning for over 14 million people 4.

⚠️ Potential Withdrawal from ISO-NE: In early 2026, the New Hampshire Executive Council approved a $230,056 contract to study the feasibility of withdrawing from the regional grid. The study, motivated by concerns over renewable energy policies in neighboring states driving up costs, is expected to be completed by July 2026 5.

3. Clean Energy Policy​

Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) New Hampshire's primary clean energy policy is the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RSA 362-F), which requires electricity providers to source 25.2% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025 [1][2]. This target is divided into four distinct classes based on technology and operation dates [1]. Providers comply by acquiring and retiring Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) tracked via the NEPOOL Generation Information System [1]. If quotas are not met, providers must make Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs) into the state's Renewable Energy Fund (REF), which supports in-state projects like low-income solar and energy efficiency grants [1][2]. Due to REC scarcity, the Department of Energy frequently adjusts the Class III (Existing Biomass) requirement, reducing it to 0.5% for recent compliance years (2022–2023) [1]. As of early 2026, the standard remains in effect at its maximum target, despite legislative proposals such as HB 219-FN aimed at phasing out the RPS to lower costs [1][2].

Legislative Developments and Mandates Recent years have seen significant shifts in energy legislation:

  • Solar and Nuclear: In 2025, legislation was passed allowing utilities to own generation for the first time in decades, specifically targeting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and tripling the annual cap for low-to-moderate income community solar to 18 MW through 2040 [2].
  • Solar Policy Overhaul: SB 303 (2024) repealed the residential solar rebate program but established a Municipal Solar Grant Program [2].
  • Proposed Definitions: A recent bill (HB 1455) proposed classifying fossil fuels meeting federal air standards as "green energy" for state subsidies [2].
  • State Facilities: State facilities are mandated to reduce fossil fuel use by 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030 compared to a 2005 baseline [2].

Net Metering New Hampshire allows net metering for systems up to 1 MW. Credit rates are currently locked through 2041 at approximately 85% of the retail rate [2].

Climate Goals New Hampshire does not have a legally mandated net zero or carbon neutrality goal for the electricity sector [3]. The state relies on the RPS target (25.2% by 2025), which is the lowest in the New England region [3]. While a 2009 Climate Action Plan recommended an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, this is non-binding [3]. The Department of Environmental Services is currently developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan due July 1, 2026 [3]. However, several municipalities (e.g., Hanover, Keene, Concord) and the University of New Hampshire have adopted voluntary 100% renewable or net-zero goals [3].

4. Utility Landscape​

New Hampshire's electricity distribution is managed by four primary utilities, comprising three investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and one electric cooperative. Eversource Energy (Public Service of New Hampshire) is the largest provider, serving approximately 71% of the state's retail customers [1]. The remaining market share is divided among Unitil Energy Systems (10–11%), Liberty Utilities (6%), and the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) (11–12%) [1]. NHEC is distinct from the IOUs as a member-owned, non-profit entity serving over 84,000 members in 118 communities, governed by an elected Board of Directors [1].

The state operates under a restructured energy market. While utilities maintain the infrastructure and deliver power, customers can purchase energy supply from Competitive Electric Suppliers or receive "Default Energy Service" from their utility at a regulated "Price to Compare" [1]. As of late 2025, NHEC's Price to Compare was approximately 11.46 cents per kWh through January 31, 2026 [1]. Additionally, New Hampshire law allows for Community Power Aggregation (CPA), enabling municipalities to negotiate supply rates for residents while the local utility continues to handle delivery [1].

5. SSS-Eligible Resources​

No specific SSS-eligible resources identified. See section notes.

6. EAC/REC Registry Infrastructure​

New Hampshire utilizes the New England Power Pool Generation Information System (NEPOOL-GIS) as its official electronic registry to track Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and verify compliance with the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) 61. This regional system serves the New England control area, issuing unique serial numbers for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable generation to prevent double-counting 76.

Registration and Tracking Process​

To participate in the market, renewable energy facilities must register with NEPOOL-GIS to obtain a unique Asset ID (e.g., NON48761) 6. The New Hampshire Department of Energy (NH DOE) oversees facility eligibility applications and RPS statutes 61. Key operational details include:

  • Issuance: One REC is issued for every 1 MWh of renewable electricity produced by a certified facility 6.
  • Verification: Independent monitors or aggregators are required to submit metered output data to NEPOOL-GIS monthly to ensure accuracy 66.
  • Banking: RECs are typically used in the year generated but may be banked for up to two years to meet up to 30% of future obligations 6.

Compliance Reporting​

Electricity providers in New Hampshire must file annual compliance reports with the NH Department of Energy. The specific filing window is between July 1 and July 15 6.

Market Support​

The state utilizes third-party entities to facilitate tracking for smaller generators:

  • Independent Monitors: New Hampshire requires a third-party Independent Monitor (IM) to record and report production data. Some utilities, such as Eversource, offer this service for free to customers with systems up to 100 kW 6.
  • REC Aggregators: Individual owners often use Registered REC Aggregators to group small volumes of RECs for sale on the market 6.

7. Grid Emissions​

Scope 2 Reporting​

  • SB 253 requires Scope 2 reporting for companies >$1B revenue

Source: EPA eGRID, EIA, state regulatory filings

References​

Sources & Last Updated​

Research Date: 2026-03-10
Data Sources: EIA, EPA eGRID, state regulatory filings, SerpAPI research aggregation

This page was generated using automated research and may contain inaccuracies. Verify critical data with primary sources.

Footnotes​

  1. New Hampshire Department of Energy (.gov) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7

  2. New Hampshire Department of Energy (.gov) +1; Wikipedia ↩

  3. New Hampshire Bulletin ↩ ↩2

  4. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (.gov) ↩

  5. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (.gov) +1; New Hampshire Bulletin +4; Business NH Magazine ↩

  6. Eversource ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11

  7. Carbon Solutions Group ↩