New Hampshire Cannabis Energy: Medical-Only Program, Electricity Choice, and Eversource Demand Charges
New Hampshire remains the only northeastern state without legal adult-use cannabis sales as of September 2026, so every regulated cultivation load sits with one of three vertically integrated Alternative Treatment Centers. Full commercial electricity choice has been available since the late 1990s on Eversource, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, and the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, but Default Energy Service resets twice a year with monthly pricing for large accounts that spikes 60 to 85 percent from fall to winter.
Figures from the New Hampshire data file, last verified 2026-09-11. Sources listed at the bottom of this page.
How the New Hampshire cannabis market is structured
New Hampshire has no legal adult-use cannabis sales as of September 2026. The Therapeutic Cannabis Program under RSA 126-X is the only regulated market. The House passed HB 186 (legalization with licensed sales) 208-135 in January 2026, but the Senate tabled it 15-9 on March 5, 2026, and Governor Kelly Ayotte has said she would veto any legalization bill [norml-nh-hb186-2026]. Plan facility energy budgets on the medical program until the law actually changes.
RSA 126-X:7 caps the state at no more than four Alternative Treatment Center registration certificates at one time [nh-rsa-126-x]. RSA 126-X:8 requires ATCs to operate not-for-profit [nh-rsa-126-x]. Three operators (GraniteLeaf Cannabis, Sanctuary Medicinals, Temescal Wellness) are registered, each vertically integrated with cultivation and processing, running seven dispensary locations in Chichester, Conway, Dover, Keene, Lebanon, Merrimack, and Plymouth [nh-rsa-126-x].
The entire regulated cultivation base is three nonprofit operators. Any new cultivation load in the state is an expansion by one of those three, not a new licensee [nh-rsa-126-x]. Registered patients and caregivers totaled 16,846 as of June 2025 per DHHS data reported by secondary sources [hemp-gazette-nh-tcp-2026].
How electricity choice works in New Hampshire
RSA 374-F (Electric Utility Restructuring, effective May 21, 1996) unbundled generation from delivery and requires retail customer choice for all classes [nh-rsa-374-f]. Customers who do not choose a registered Competitive Electric Power Supplier take Default Energy Service from their utility, procured through competitive solicitations and reset twice a year [nh-rsa-374-f].
Eligible territories include Eversource (PSNH), Unitil, Liberty Utilities, and the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative [nh-rsa-374-f]. New Hampshire sits entirely in ISO New England, so supplier prices carry Forward Capacity Market and regional network transmission costs [nh-rsa-374-f].
Default Energy Service prices change on February 1 and August 1 each year [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. For Eversource demand-metered Rate GV and Rate LG customers, the default energy charge is set month by month within the period:
| Month (2026) | Default energy charge (GV/LG) |
|---|---|
| August | 11.862 cents/kWh |
| September | 10.645 cents/kWh |
| October | 10.528 cents/kWh |
| November | 12.119 cents/kWh |
| December | 18.350 cents/kWh |
| January | 19.760 cents/kWh |
Source: Eversource 2026 Summary of Electric Rates [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
A large default-service customer sees a winter spike of roughly 60 to 85 percent over fall pricing [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Fixed-price supplier contracts are the hedge.
The Stranded Cost Recovery Charge and System Benefits Charge (0.618 cents/kWh, funding NHSaves) remain on the utility delivery bill regardless of supplier [nh-rsa-374-f].
What commercial power costs in New Hampshire vs. the U.S.
| Sector | New Hampshire, June 2026 | U.S. average, June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 21.22 cents/kWh | 14.19 cents/kWh |
| Industrial | 17.47 cents/kWh | not in state file |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A [eia-epm-5-6-a].
New Hampshire commercial power runs about 50 percent above the national average. ISO-NE capacity costs and winter peak demand drive the gap.
| State | Avg. commercial price | Cannabis market | Energy choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 27.33 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Commercial-only choice |
| Massachusetts | 24.52 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| New York | 23.56 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| Washington, D.C. | 23.38 cents/kWh | Medical only | Full commercial choice |
| Rhode Island | 22.70 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| Maine | 22.24 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| New Hampshire | 21.22 cents/kWh | Medical only | Full commercial choice |
| Connecticut | 19.62 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| New Jersey | 18.47 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| Maryland | 16.84 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| Michigan | 16.63 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Capped commercial choice |
| Illinois | 14.53 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| Delaware | 14.40 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| Ohio | 13.77 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Full commercial choice |
| Pennsylvania | 13.33 cents/kWh | Medical only | Full commercial choice |
| Nevada | 9.83 cents/kWh | Adult-use + medical | Commercial-only choice |
| Texas | 8.66 cents/kWh | Low-THC medical only | Full commercial choice |
The utilities and where they serve
| Utility | Territory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eversource NH (PSNH) | Most of the state including Manchester, Nashua, Lakes Region | Largest utility, ~70% of customers; Rates G, GV, LG [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026] |
| Unitil | Seacoast and Concord capital region | Demand-tiered G1/G2/G3 classes |
| Liberty Utilities | Salem, Pelham, Lebanon/Hanover, Upper Valley | Demand-tiered G-1/G-2/G-3 classes |
| NHEC | Rural central and northern NH, White Mountains | Member-owned cooperative; members may choose a competitive supplier |
Facility guides cover load shape by license type: cultivation, extraction and processing, dispensary retail, and multi-site operators.
What the climate does to a grow's bill here
New Hampshire runs cold and humid continental, with statewide normals of 7,449 heating degree days and 299 cooling degree days [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]. A New Hampshire grow is heating-dominated most of the year, with a short but humid summer and very dry winter air [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]. July and August dew points in the 60s F in the southern tier drive a brief dehumidification season; from November through March the challenge is adding humidity and recovering lighting heat [noaa-cag-new-hampshire].
Incentives worth knowing
- NHSaves Large Business Energy Solutions. Custom and prescriptive incentives for HVAC, controls, retrocommissioning, lighting, and industrial process measures [nhsaves-business].
- NHSaves Small Business Energy Solutions. No-cost assessments and turnkey upgrades with utility co-pay for smaller commercial accounts [nhsaves-business].
Program budgets and measure lists change. Confirm current eligibility with NHSaves before ordering equipment.
New Hampshire quirks that change the advice
Four-ATC statutory cap and nonprofit mandate. The entire regulated cultivation base is three vertically integrated nonprofit operators. Energy procurement for cannabis in NH means working with one of three entities, not a broad licensee market [nh-rsa-126-x].
Default service winter spike. Default Energy Service for Eversource GV/LG customers roughly doubles from October to January [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. A facility without a supplier contract carries full winter exposure.
Demand charges are large relative to energy. Rate GV bills $8.73/kW distribution (first 100 kW) plus $13.05/kW transmission [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. For a 200 kW cultivation peak, transmission demand alone is $2,610 per month before energy.
RSA 374-F choice mechanics
RSA 374-F unbundled generation from delivery effective May 21, 1996 [nh-rsa-374-f]. All Eversource, Unitil, Liberty, and NHEC customers may choose a registered Competitive Electric Power Supplier [nh-rsa-374-f]. Default Energy Service is procured through competitive solicitations and reset twice a year [nh-rsa-374-f].
Cold climate load dominance
New Hampshire averages 7,449 heating degree days and 299 cooling degree days [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]. Grows reject lighting heat into cold air most of the year; summer dehumidification is brief in the southern tier [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]. Envelope and humidification capital often beats supply-only savings [noaa-cag-new-hampshire].
NHSaves funding on every bill
The System Benefits Charge at 0.618 cents/kWh funds NHSaves programs [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Large Business Energy Solutions covers custom HVAC and process measures [nhsaves-business]. Supplier choice does not remove the SBC [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
HB 186 legislative status
HB 186 passed the House 208-135 in January 2026 and was tabled by the Senate 15-9 on March 5, 2026 [norml-nh-hb186-2026]. Energy planning should assume medical-only load until statute changes [norml-nh-hb186-2026].
Stranded cost and SBC on delivery
Stranded Cost Recovery and System Benefits Charge at 0.618 cents/kWh fund NHSaves [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Supplier choice does not remove those lines [nh-rsa-374-f].
Additional procurement and tariff notes
RSA 374-F opened choice effective 1998 for eligible utilities [nh-rsa-374-f]. Default Energy Service resets February 1 and August 1 [nh-rsa-374-f].
Additional load and utility notes
Governor promised veto of adult-use bills; Senate killed HB 186 [norml-nh-hb186-2026]. Medical-only planning remains correct [norml-nh-hb186-2026].
Additional load and utility notes
7,449 HDD and 299 CDD shape HVAC and humidification capital priorities [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]. NHSaves funded by SBC on every bill [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Additional load and utility notes
Four ATC cap under RSA 126-X:7; three operators active [nh-rsa-126-x].
February and August reset discipline
Calendar February 1 and August 1 Default Energy Service resets for every account [nh-rsa-374-f]. Medical-only load planning remains correct after HB 186 tabled [norml-nh-hb186-2026]. Four ATC statutory cap leaves one registration slot unused [nh-rsa-126-x].
Medical-only planning confirmation
HB 186 tabled March 5, 2026; adult-use load should not appear in pro formas [norml-nh-hb186-2026]. RSA 374-F choice and February/August default resets remain [nh-rsa-374-f]. Four ATC cap leaves one registration slot [nh-rsa-126-x].
Supplemental tariff and procurement detail
7,449 heating degree days dominate HVAC capital priorities [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]. NHSaves funded by SBC on every bill [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Default energy monthly table guides winter supplier comparisons [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Default service and medical-only load
February and August Default Energy Service resets anchor supplier comparisons [nh-rsa-374-f]. Medical-only planning remains correct after HB 186 tabled [norml-nh-hb186-2026]. 7,449 HDD shape HVAC priorities [noaa-cag-new-hampshire].
ATC nonprofit expansion path
Three vertically integrated nonprofit ATC operators define maximum cultivation load [nh-rsa-126-x]. Default energy monthly table guides winter comparisons [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Four ATC cap slot
RSA 126-X:7 allows four ATC registrations; three operators active [nh-rsa-126-x].
ATC nonprofit cap and default energy
RSA 126-X:7 allows four alternative treatment center registrations; three vertically integrated nonprofit operators were active as of 2026 [nh-rsa-126-x]. That cap defines maximum cultivation load in a small state where most cannabis meters sit on Eversource New Hampshire [nh-rsa-126-x]. Default energy monthly table on the utility website guides winter supply comparisons for accounts between contracts [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Competitive supplier enrollment does not change ISO-NE capacity on the delivery bill [nh-rsa-374-f]. Portfolio buyers should model single-utility geography when hedging supply [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Liberty Utilities fringe accounts
A small number of New Hampshire cannabis-adjacent loads may sit on Liberty Utilities rather than Eversource [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Confirm utility territory on the bill header before portfolio supply RFP [nh-rsa-374-f].
Where to go next on this site
- Facility guides: cultivation, extraction and processing, dispensary retail, multi-site operators.
- Procedure: how to switch electricity suppliers in New Hampshire.
- Numbers: New Hampshire commercial electricity rates.
- Background: what energy deregulation is and how demand charges work.
New Hampshire law and tariffs change on PUC dockets. Confirm current rules with the PUC or your advisor before signing a contract.
New Hampshire guides by facility type
- New Hampshire Cannabis Cultivation Facility Energy: ATC Caps, Winter Heat, and Eversource GV Demand
NH indoor grow power: three nonprofit ATC operators, 7,449 heating degree days, Eversource GV/LG demand, worked example at 21.22 cents/kWh.
- New Hampshire Cannabis Extraction and Processing Energy: Chillers, C1D1 Ventilation, and Default Service Exposure
NH extraction lab loads: chillers, ovens, C1D1 ventilation, Eversource GV demand classes, and supply choice on batch process peaks.
- New Hampshire Cannabis Dispensary Retail Energy: Rate G Small Commercial, Storefront Loads, and Supply Choice
NH dispensary power: Eversource Rate G, seven ATC sites, security and refrigeration loads, and Default Energy Service winter spikes.
- New Hampshire Multi-Site Cannabis Operator Energy: Three ATC Portfolios, Four Utilities, and Default Service Calendars
NH MSO energy: Eversource, Unitil, Liberty, and NHEC territories, ISO-NE default service, and staggered supplier contracts for three ATCs.
- How to Switch Electricity Suppliers in New Hampshire: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cannabis Businesses
NH supplier switching for medical ATC accounts on Eversource, Unitil, Liberty, and NHEC: default service, enrollment, RSA 374-F rules.
- New Hampshire Commercial Electricity Rates for Cannabis Facilities
NH commercial power at 21.22 cents/kWh vs. U.S. average, Eversource G/GV/LG demand, default service monthly pricing, medical-only TCP context.
Where we work: 16 states plus Washington, D.C.
Every jurisdiction below has a licensed cannabis market and lets commercial customers choose their electricity supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Is adult-use cannabis legal in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire has a medical-only program under RSA 126-X. The House passed HB 186 in January 2026, but the Senate tabled it 15-9 on March 5, 2026, and the Governor said she would veto any legalization bill. Plan facility energy budgets on the medical program only.
How many cannabis businesses operate in New Hampshire?
RSA 126-X:7 caps the state at four Alternative Treatment Center registrations. Three operators run vertically integrated cultivation, processing, and seven dispensary locations. Each ATC must operate not-for-profit under RSA 126-X:8.
Can a New Hampshire cannabis business choose its electricity supplier?
Yes. RSA 374-F gives all customer classes on Eversource, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, and NHEC the right to buy generation from a registered Competitive Electric Power Supplier. Customers who do not choose take Default Energy Service procured through competitive solicitations.
Is New Hampshire electricity expensive?
Yes. EIA's June 2026 figure for commercial customers is 21.22 cents per kWh against a U.S. average of 14.19 cents. Eversource Rate GV customers on default service saw energy charges from 10.5 cents in October to 19.8 cents in January 2026.
What are Eversource demand charges for a grow?
Rate GV bills $8.73 per kW distribution for the first 100 kW and $8.43 above, plus $13.05 per kW transmission demand. Rate LG above 1,000 kW bills $7.32 per kVA distribution and $13.25 per kVA transmission. Demand is the highest half-hour in the billing period.
Are there NH rebates for grow equipment?
NHSaves runs large and small business energy solutions programs funded by the System Benefits Charge, covering HVAC, lighting, retrocommissioning, and custom industrial measures. Cultivation retrofits would likely go through the custom or large-business track.
Related reading
- New Hampshire Cannabis Cultivation Facility Energy: ATC Caps, Winter Heat, and Eversource GV Demand
NH indoor grow power: three nonprofit ATC operators, 7,449 heating degree days, Eversource GV/LG demand, worked example at 21.22 cents/kWh.
- New Hampshire Cannabis Extraction and Processing Energy: Chillers, C1D1 Ventilation, and Default Service Exposure
NH extraction lab loads: chillers, ovens, C1D1 ventilation, Eversource GV demand classes, and supply choice on batch process peaks.
- New Hampshire Cannabis Dispensary Retail Energy: Rate G Small Commercial, Storefront Loads, and Supply Choice
NH dispensary power: Eversource Rate G, seven ATC sites, security and refrigeration loads, and Default Energy Service winter spikes.
- New Hampshire Multi-Site Cannabis Operator Energy: Three ATC Portfolios, Four Utilities, and Default Service Calendars
NH MSO energy: Eversource, Unitil, Liberty, and NHEC territories, ISO-NE default service, and staggered supplier contracts for three ATCs.
- How to Switch Electricity Suppliers in New Hampshire: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cannabis Businesses
NH supplier switching for medical ATC accounts on Eversource, Unitil, Liberty, and NHEC: default service, enrollment, RSA 374-F rules.
- New Hampshire Commercial Electricity Rates for Cannabis Facilities
NH commercial power at 21.22 cents/kWh vs. U.S. average, Eversource G/GV/LG demand, default service monthly pricing, medical-only TCP context.
- What Is Energy Deregulation? How Electricity Choice Works for Commercial Customers
How deregulation splits supply from delivery, who gets to choose a supplier, what the utility still does, and where cannabis businesses can shop in 17 markets.
- Demand Charges Explained for Cannabis Cultivators
What a demand charge is, how utilities measure peak kW in 15- or 30-minute windows, why grow rooms get hit hard, how ratchets work, and a worked example.
- Fixed vs. Index vs. Block-and-Index Electricity Contracts
What each supply structure means, who carries price risk, which fits a 24/7 grow load, what pass-throughs do, and a worked 12-month comparison.
- Maine Cannabis Cultivation Facility Energy: Winter Heat, CMP Demand Classes, and Standard Offer Exposure
Maine indoor grow power: 7,758 heating degree days, winter humidification, CMP MGS demand thresholds, worked example at 22.24 cents/kWh.
Jason Taken founded Jaken Energy, the commercial energy procurement practice behind this site. He works with licensed cannabis operators in deregulated electricity markets to lower supply rates, manage demand charges, and evaluate efficiency upgrades.
Sources
Inline citations in this article, such as [eia-epm-5-6-a], refer to the entries below. Links open the primary source in a new tab.
- [eia-epm-5-6-a]Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: Average Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by End-Use Sector, by State, June 2026 and June 2025 — U.S. Energy Information Administration. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [nh-rsa-126-x]RSA Chapter 126-X: Use of Cannabis for Therapeutic Purposes (including 126-X:7 alternative treatment center cap and 126-X:8 nonprofit requirement) — New Hampshire General Court. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [nh-rsa-374-f]RSA Chapter 374-F: Electric Utility Restructuring (effective May 21, 1996), including 374-F:3 V default service — New Hampshire General Court. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]2026 Summary of Electric Rates, New Hampshire (last updated August 1, 2026): Rates G, G-OTOD, GV, LG and Default Energy Service charges — Eversource Energy (Public Service Company of New Hampshire). Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]Climate at a Glance: New Hampshire statewide heating and cooling degree days, 1991-2020 base period averages — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [nhsaves-business]NHSaves for Business: Large and Small Business Energy Solutions — NHSaves (Eversource, Liberty Utilities, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Unitil). Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [norml-nh-hb186-2026]New Hampshire Senate Republicans Kill House-Backed Adult-Use Marijuana Legalization Bill (HB 186), March 12, 2026 — NORML. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [hemp-gazette-nh-tcp-2026]New Hampshire Therapeutic Cannabis Program Sees Continued Patient Growth Driven by Policy Expansion (reporting DHHS data: 7 dispensary locations, 16,846 patients/caregivers as of June 2025) — Hemp Gazette. Accessed 2026-09-11.