New Hampshire Commercial Electricity Rates for Cannabis Facilities
New Hampshire commercial electricity averaged 21.22 cents per kWh in June 2026, about 50 percent above the U.S. average of 14.19 cents, while industrial customers averaged 17.47 cents. Eversource bills larger commercial accounts on per-kW demand, Default Energy Service for GV and LG customers is priced monthly within each six-month procurement period, and the Therapeutic Cannabis Program under RSA 126-X caps regulated cultivation at three nonprofit Alternative Treatment Centers.
New Hampshire figures last verified 2026-09-11. Full citations in the Sources section.
New Hampshire vs. U.S. average commercial rates
New Hampshire has no legal adult-use cannabis sales as of September 2026. RSA 126-X caps the state at four Alternative Treatment Center registrations, with three nonprofit operators running all regulated cultivation and seven dispensary locations [nh-rsa-126-x]. The House passed HB 186 in January 2026, but the Senate tabled it 15-9 on March 5, 2026 [norml-nh-hb186-2026]. Rate benchmarks on this page apply to Therapeutic Cannabis Program facilities operating today.
| Sector | New Hampshire, June 2026 | U.S. average, June 2026 | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | 21.22 cents/kWh | 14.19 cents/kWh | +50% |
| Industrial | 17.47 cents/kWh | not in state file | n/a |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A [eia-epm-5-6-a].
New Hampshire commercial power costs more than the national average because the state sits entirely in ISO New England with winter peak capacity costs, delivery infrastructure serves a low-density region, and Default Energy Service for large commercial accounts carries month-by-month pricing that spikes in cold weather [nh-rsa-374-f] [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. A dispensary with flat retail load may price closer to the industrial average; an ATC cultivation facility with spiky winter peaks pays the full commercial-class premium plus demand charges.
| 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 |
Eversource commercial delivery classes
Eversource (Public Service Company of New Hampshire) is the largest utility, serving roughly 70 percent of the state's electric customers [nh-rsa-374-f]. Per the 2026 Summary of Electric Rates updated August 1, 2026 [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]:
| Rate | Demand threshold | Customer charge | Demand charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| G (General Service) | Not exceeding 100 kW | varies by schedule | Demand on kW above 5 kW; transmission $9.84/kW [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026] |
| GV (Commercial and Industrial) | Not exceeding 1,000 kW | $242.13 | $8.73/kW distribution (first 100 kW), $8.43/kW above; $13.05/kW transmission [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026] |
| LG (Commercial and Industrial) | Above 1,000 kW | $800 | $7.32/kVA distribution, $13.25/kVA transmission; on/off-peak energy variants [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026] |
Demand is the highest half-hour in the billing period [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. The summary does not state a ratchet for these classes.
Under the Therapeutic Cannabis Program, a dispensary in Merrimack or Dover with modest HVAC and security load typically lands on Rate G. An ATC cultivation facility with full lighting, dehumidification, and HVAC in New Hampshire's 7,449 heating degree day climate typically lands on Rate GV [noaa-cag-new-hampshire] [nh-rsa-126-x].
Unitil, Liberty Utilities, and NHEC
| Utility | Territory | Commercial classes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitil | Seacoast (Hampton, Exeter, Seabrook) and Concord capital region | G1 large, G2 medium, G3 small | Demand-tiered general service [nh-rsa-374-f] |
| Liberty Utilities (Granite State Electric) | Salem, Pelham, Lebanon, Hanover, Upper Valley | G-1 large, G-2 medium, G-3 small | Demand-tiered general service [nh-rsa-374-f] |
| New Hampshire Electric Cooperative | Rural central and northern NH, Lakes Region, White Mountains | Co-op commercial schedules | Members may choose competitive supply instead of Co-op Power [nh-rsa-374-f] |
Per-kW charges for Unitil and Liberty were not verified in the data file pass. Pull current tariffs from each utility before quoting specific demand figures. Default Energy Service benchmarks differ by utility even though all operate under RSA 374-F [nh-rsa-374-f].
Default Energy Service benchmarks
Default Energy Service is the generation price for customers who do not choose a registered Competitive Electric Power Supplier [nh-rsa-374-f]. Utilities procure it through competitive solicitations under RSA 374-F:3 V and reset prices February 1 and August 1 [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
For Eversource Rate GV and Rate LG customers, the default energy charge is set month by month within each six-month period [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]:
| Month (2026) | Default energy (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].
Smaller Rate G accounts on Default Energy Service follow a separate pricing schedule in the same summary document [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Use these figures as benchmarks when comparing competitive supplier offers, not as prices you are locked into if you shop under RSA 374-F [nh-rsa-374-f].
ISO-NE capacity and seasonality
New Hampshire is entirely in ISO New England [nh-rsa-374-f]. Forward Capacity Market costs and regional network transmission charges affect competitive supplier pricing and appear in Default Energy Service procurement [nh-rsa-374-f].
Statewide 1991-2020 normals are 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 humid summer and very dry winter air [noaa-cag-new-hampshire]. Winter peaks from supplemental heating in grow rooms drive January default service spikes [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. A fixed competitive supplier contract is the primary hedge against monthly default exposure on GV and LG accounts.
Delivery charges that persist after switching
Regardless of supplier, the utility delivery bill includes [nh-rsa-374-f] [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]:
| Charge | What it funds | Stays after switch? |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution energy and demand | Local wires, transformers, service | Yes |
| Transmission energy and demand | ISO-NE regional grid | Yes |
| Stranded Cost Recovery Charge | Legacy generation costs | Yes |
| System Benefits Charge (0.618 cents/kWh) | NHSaves efficiency programs [nhsaves-business] | Yes |
| Default Energy Service or supplier energy | Generation supply | Changes with supplier |
Only the generation supply line changes when you switch to a registered Competitive Electric Power Supplier [nh-rsa-374-f]. NHSaves large and small business programs remain available for HVAC, lighting, retrocommissioning, and custom industrial measures regardless of supplier [nhsaves-business].
How to read a New Hampshire commercial bill
A typical Eversource bill for a demand-metered GV account shows:
- Customer charge. $242.13 per month for Rate GV [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
- Delivery energy charge. Cents per kWh for distribution and transmission energy components.
- Delivery demand charge. Dollars per kW for the billing-period peak half-hour demand [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
- Supply charge. Either Default Energy Service (utility-procured, month-specific for GV/LG) or competitive supplier contract rate [nh-rsa-374-f].
- Stranded Cost Recovery and System Benefits lines. Fixed surcharges on the delivery portion [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Delivery lines stay with Eversource, Unitil, Liberty, or NHEC. See understanding your commercial utility bill for a line-by-line walkthrough and demand charges explained for how kW billing works on cultivation load.
Cannabis facility rate context under RSA 126-X
The entire regulated cultivation base in New Hampshire is three vertically integrated nonprofit Alternative Treatment Centers [nh-rsa-126-x]. RSA 126-X:7 allows no more than four ATC registrations at any time; RSA 126-X:8 requires not-for-profit operation [nh-rsa-126-x]. Any new cultivation load is an expansion by GraniteLeaf Cannabis, Sanctuary Medicinals, or Temescal Wellness, not a new licensee.
Seven dispensary locations in Chichester, Conway, Dover, Keene, Lebanon, Merrimack, and Plymouth draw smaller commercial loads, typically Rate G or Unitil/Liberty small general service [nh-rsa-126-x]. Cultivation and processing sites with indoor lighting and climate control typically reach Rate GV with combined distribution and transmission demand above $21/kW on Eversource [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Do not budget rate classes or load projections for adult-use facilities until legalization actually passes. HB 186 is tabled and the Governor has promised a veto [norml-nh-hb186-2026].
Eversource GV and LG demand charge summary
Rate GV bills $8.73/kW distribution for the first 100 kW and $8.43/kW above plus $13.05/kW transmission demand [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Rate LG above 1,000 kW bills $7.32/kVA distribution and $13.25/kVA transmission [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Demand is the highest half-hour in the billing period [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Default service monthly volatility table
Default Energy Service for GV/LG customers is set month by month within each February-July and August-January term [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. January 2026 default energy hit 19.760 cents/kWh while October 2026 was 10.528 cents/kWh [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Facilities without supplier contracts carry that winter exposure [nh-rsa-374-f].
NHEC cooperative supplier choice
New Hampshire Electric Cooperative members may choose competitive suppliers instead of Co-op Power default supply [nh-rsa-374-f]. Cooperative delivery tariffs differ from Eversource Rate G/GV/LG [nh-rsa-374-f]. Confirm territory before applying Eversource demand examples [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Additional procurement and tariff notes
Eversource Rate GV bills $8.73/kW distribution first 100 kW and $13.05/kW transmission [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026]. Rate LG above 1,000 kW uses kVA billing [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Additional load and utility notes
Default energy for GV/LG ranged from 10.528 cents/kWh October 2026 to 19.760 cents/kWh January 2026 [eversource-nh-summary-rates-2026].
Additional load and utility notes
NHEC members may shop RSA 374-F suppliers [nh-rsa-374-f]. Unitil and Liberty commercial demand was not verified this pass [nh-rsa-374-f].
Where to go next
- How to switch suppliers in New Hampshire for enrollment steps under RSA 374-F.
- New Hampshire hub for market overview and utility territories.
- Demand charges explained for how kW billing affects grow facilities.
- State commercial rate comparison tool for multi-state benchmarks.
- Demand charge estimator to model peak kW costs on Rate GV.
Confirm current tariff rates on the Eversource 2026 Summary of Electric Rates and Default Energy Service prices before signing a supply contract.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average commercial electricity rate in New Hampshire?
EIA Table 5.6.A shows New Hampshire commercial customers paid 21.22 cents per kWh in June 2026 against a U.S. average of 14.19 cents. Industrial customers averaged 17.47 cents per kWh in the same period.
How does Eversource classify commercial demand?
Rate G for demand not exceeding 100 kW with demand billed above 5 kW. Rate GV for demand not exceeding 1,000 kW with $8.73 per kW distribution and $13.05 per kW transmission. Rate LG above 1,000 kW with $7.32 per kVA distribution and $13.25 per kVA transmission per the 2026 Summary of Electric Rates.
What is Default Energy Service?
The generation price for customers who do not choose a competitive supplier under RSA 374-F. Utilities procure it through competitive solicitations and reset it February 1 and August 1. Eversource GV and LG accounts get monthly pricing within each period.
How much does default service spike in winter?
Eversource GV and LG default energy ran from 10.528 cents per kWh in October 2026 to 19.760 cents in January 2026, a rise of about 88 percent on the energy line alone per the 2026 Summary of Electric Rates.
Does New Hampshire have adult-use cannabis?
No. The Therapeutic Cannabis Program under RSA 126-X is medical-only. HB 186 passed the House in January 2026 but was tabled by the Senate 15-9 on March 5, 2026. Budget energy costs for the three registered ATC operators, not a recreational market.
What charges stay on the utility bill after switching suppliers?
Distribution, transmission, demand, Stranded Cost Recovery, and the System Benefits Charge at 0.618 cents per kWh remain on the delivery bill regardless of supplier.
Related reading
- New Hampshire Cannabis Energy: Medical-Only Program, Electricity Choice, and Eversource Demand Charges
NH cannabis power: three nonprofit ATC operators, full retail choice on Eversource, ISO-NE default service, and rates 50% above the U.S. average.
- 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.
- 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.
- Utility Rate Classes Explained: Small Commercial, Large Commercial, C&I
How utilities assign small, large, and C&I rate classes by peak kW, why the wrong class costs money, real tariff examples, and how to request a class review.
- Understanding Your Commercial Utility Bill (Line-Item Breakdown)
Supply vs delivery, customer charge, distribution demand, transmission, capacity, riders, power factor, and taxes, with an annotated sample bill for a grow.
- State Commercial Rate Comparison
Compare average commercial electricity prices across cannabis states, with cannabis market status and supplier choice rules pulled from verified state data.
- Demand Charge Estimator
Estimate monthly and annual demand charges from your peak kW, average kW, and tariff rate. Model load factor and peak shaving savings.
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.
- [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.
- [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.
- [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.
- [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.