The Commission has formed a working group to develop a comprehensive energy assistance program. This includes the establishment of procedures and the development of a computerized system to manage the program data. The program is expected to begin once retail choice is available across the majority of the state.
The Energy Assistance Program is a fixed credit percentage of income payment plan which will provide affordable bills, motivate consumers to make timely payements, and encourage conservation to further lower bills. Eligibility will be based on income and projected electric usage. The program will be funded through the system benefits charge that is on all electric bills.
The statewide Energy Assistance Program is not expected to be available until the majority of the state moves to retail choice. Interim affordability programs are being developed by the electric distribution companies whose customers already have choice. Those programs will be funded through the system benefits charge as well. Granite State Electric Company and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative currently have interim affordability programs in place.
