Electricity Rates in New Hampshire (2026)
National average: 16.72¢/kWh · Source: EIA, January 2026
New Hampshire Shares New England's Expensive Electricity Market
At 25.34 cents/kWh, New Hampshire's rates are 52% above the national average. The state faces the same regional challenges as its New England neighbors: constrained gas pipeline capacity, expensive transmission, and reliance on a wholesale market with high clearing prices. Eversource and Liberty Utilities serve most of the state.
Small State, Limited Local Generation Options
New Hampshire has limited natural resources for electricity generation. The Seabrook nuclear plant provides a significant share of the state's power, but much of the rest is imported from the regional grid. The state's small size and population make it difficult to attract large-scale generation investment, keeping it dependent on the broader (and expensive) New England market.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in New Hampshire
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in New Hampshire
Monthly costs at 25.34¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $205.25 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $608.16 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $218.94 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $182.45 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $38.01 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $102.63 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $121.63 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $212.86 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $19.01 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $13.68 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $2.05 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $6.84 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $91.22 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $91.22 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $68.42 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in New Hampshire
- NHSaves (nhsaves.com) offers rebates and incentives for energy efficiency improvements, including heat pumps, insulation, and smart thermostats.
- New Hampshire allows retail electricity choice. Compare supplier rates on the PUC website to find better generation prices than the default.
- At 25+ cents/kWh, a heat pump upgrade pays back faster in New Hampshire than in most of the country. Efficiency programs can cover 30-50% of installation cost.
- Solar is viable in New Hampshire with payback periods of 8-10 years. The state's net metering policy allows you to offset your bill with solar generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Electricity
New Hampshire is part of the ISO New England electricity market, which has structurally high costs due to limited natural gas pipeline capacity, expensive transmission infrastructure, and high wholesale prices. The state's small scale limits its ability to develop low-cost generation alternatives independently.
The average New Hampshire household pays about $155-$190 per month. The high per-kWh rate is partially offset by moderate consumption (New Hampshire homes tend to be well-insulated for cold winters). Many households rely on oil, propane, or wood for primary heating, with electricity as a secondary energy source.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how New Hampshire compares to other states in the New England region:
Connecticut
29.35¢/kWh
Maine
22.87¢/kWh
Massachusetts
28.76¢/kWh
Rhode Island
27.12¢/kWh
Vermont
21.34¢/kWh
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated January 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.