Cheshire Community Power
Nelson Information
Electric Rates 8/1/24 to 1/31/25
Cheshire Community Power — part of the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) — will again offer the lowest electrical rate in New Hampshire at 8.6 ¢/kWh for the period from August 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025.
New Default Rate is 8.9 ¢, up 0.8 ¢: The Cheshire Community Power default rate includes the addition of one-third of a cent to the basic rate, which will create a reserve account to fund local energy projects for county facilities and the nine member towns.
Individual ratepayers may opt-down from this rate structure during any meter-read period without penalty, opt-out to choose another supplier, or opt-up to a higher renewable energy content product, by using the portal at https://www.communitypowernh.gov/cheshire, or calling 1-866-603-POWR.
How to opt-up for Clean Energy!
Please consider opting up to Clean 100 if you can afford it—it's a tad bit lower than the last rate period at 12 ¢ vs. 12.4 ¢.
To opt up:
Find your account number on your Eversource bill.
Call 1-866-603-POWR and ask to opt up to Clean 100, Clean 50, or Granite Plus.
It will only take a minute to make a difference for a clean future!
Nelson has switched to Cheshire Community Power!
1-866-603-POWR
Click the image below to go to the Cheshire Community Power portal.
New rates coming February 1, 2024!
OPT UP for more renewables!
To choose a power supply option with more than the basic of 23% renewables call 1-866-603-POWR.
Have your Eversource account number handy so they can easily process your request.
For 100% renewable energy, ask for the Clean 100 plan!
If you want to stay with the Community Basic default service you do not have to do anything.
OPT DOWN: To choose Granite Basic call 1-866-603-POWR. Have your Eversource account number handy so they can easily process your selection.
OPT UP for more renewables: To choose a greener power supply option call 1-866-603-POWR. Have your Eversource account number handy so they can easily process your selection.
OPT OUT: To opt out use the online portal or call 1-866-603-POWR. Have your Eversource account number handy so they can easily process your selection.
OPT IN: If you buy electricity from a third-party supplier you will not be enrolled in Cheshire Community Power unless you opt in now or in the future by calling 1-866-603-POWR. Double check by calling your current electricity provider for early termination fees or penalties. Have your Eversource account number ready.
SOLAR: Net metering solar customers will not be enrolled in Cheshire Community Power and if you have questions call 1-866-603-POWR. Have your account number handy.
Cheshire Community Power
Slides from the Information Forum #2
October 17, 2023
CHESHIRE CP HANDOUT.pptx
Cheshire Community Power
Slides from the Information Forum #1 - June 13, 2023
County Commissioner Terry Clark wrote about the above event on Wordpress | June 14, 2023.
Commissioner Clark's latest post on October 9, 2023.
Why Should Nelson Join Cheshire Community Power?
The Nelson Selectboard voted unanimously to join Cheshire Community Power.
Here are three good reasons why:
After surveying the town in Summer 2022 the Nelson Community Power Committee concluded that ratepayers in Nelson are either
reluctant to change electric service providers,
skeptical about changing electric service providers,
do not know about options to choose alternatives to Eversource, or
did not know how to change electric service providers.
The result of this lack of knowledge: Nelson residents could be paying more than necessary for electricity and are unaware of options to purchase more green energy.
By switching the entire town to Cheshire Community Power, rather than individual Nelson residents joining Cheshire Community Power on their own, Nelson will
have a representative to Cheshire Community Power at the County level.
have a voice at the table when decisions about Cheshire Community Power are made.
Joining Cheshire Community Power avoids Town Administrative Staff time and expenditures that would be required to initiate a Nelson Community Power Aggregation Plan.
Joining Cheshire Community Power will Streamline Nelson's Access to Community Power Benefits!
What is Community Power?
Community Power is a new program in New Hampshire that allows local governments to buy electricity for all residents and small businesses at wholesale prices.
Cheshire County will represent Nelson to collaborate with experienced service providers who know the electricity market. Thus, our town's staff will not need expertise in the energy sector.
While Nelson will join with Cheshire County to purchase electricity on the wholesale market, we will not own or maintain the poles and wires. Repairs, power outages, and routine upgrades will be taken care of by Eversource.