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Energy North Rate Case 2020

Update - 10/1/2020

Please note that effective October 1, 2020, the temporary rates that we requested will not go into effect. Distribution rates will not be affected until the conclusion of the rate proceeding. 

Understanding the Rate Change

On July 31, 2020, Liberty Utilities (EnergyNorth Natural Gas) Corp. submitted a rate filing with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. We are asking the Commission for permission to raise the rates that we charge customers for our gas distribution service. Currently, distribution rates are not sufficient to allow us to recover costs and earn a reasonable return on investment. We are asking to increase our annual distribution revenues by approximately $13.5 million effective August 2021. The rate filing has been assigned Docket No. DG 20-105.

PLEASE NOTE: We previously notified you of a rate filing that was made in November 2019. However, for various reasons the decision was made to withdraw that filing and submit a new case at a later time. This rate filing effectively replaces that prior filing.

As part of the process we are also requesting a temporary rate increase. The temporary rate increase will be approximately 48 percent of our requested increase. We are asking that temporary rates take effect on October 1, 2020, and remain in effect until we receive a final decision on the requested rate increase.

 

Why we needed to raise rates:

In order to provide safe, reliable natural gas service to our customers, we need to make continual investments in things like equipment, maintenance and upgrades. We also had a significant increase in property taxes. From time to time we need to raise distribution rates to keep pace with those investments. Investments made in 2019 and prior years resulted in exceptional reliability of our gas system. 

 

What part of your natural gas bill is changing?
The distribution charge, which is the cost of delivering natural gas to you, will change. This charge collects funds for things like the operation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines that run underground and connect to homes and businesses.

 

How the rate change will affect your bill:

If the request for an increase is approved by the Commission as filed, the resulting impacts will be as shown below. If you are unsure of what rate category you belong to, you can find your rate code on your gas bill below your account number. The numbers below are based on rates in effect as of August 1, 2020, and a monthly average of typical annual use volumes.  Due to variances in seasonal consumption the results in any particular month will be higher or lower than the average.

R-3 – Residential Heating:  The total bill for a residential heating customer using 66 therms of gas per month will increase from $86.41 to $94.33 (9.2%). When temporary rates go into effect on October 1, 2020, the bill will increase from $86.41 to $90.30 (4.5%).

G-41 – Commercial/Industrial Low Annual Use, High Winter Use:  The total bill for a G-41 customer using 217 therms of gas per month will increase from $254.20 to $276.62 (8.8%). When temporary rates go into effect on October 1, 2020, the bill will increase from $254.20 to $265.22 (4.3%).

G-42 – Commercial/Industrial Medium Annual Use, High Winter Use:  The total bill for a G-42 customer using 2,034 therms of gas per month will increase from $1,951.41 to $2,102.43 (7.7%). When temporary rates go into effect on October 1, 2020, the bill will increase from $1,951.41 to $2,021.97 (3.6%).

G-52 – Commercial/Industrial Medium Annual Use, Low Winter Use:  The total bill for a G-52 customer using 2,020 therms of gas per month will increase from $1,653.73 to $1,755.93 (6.2%). When temporary rates go into effect on October 1, 2020, the bill will increase from $1,653.73 to $1,690.57 (2.2%).

Please visit the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission’s website at http://www.puc.state.nh.us/ for detailed information regarding this rate case, including impacts to all other rate classes. For more information on rates, you can visit our rates page.

 

What you can do to offset these increases:

There are things you can do to minimize the impact of the increase. We offer comprehensive Energy Efficiency programs that can not only reduce your natural gas usage and save you money, but many of our programs offer incentives that can help to offset the cost of making energy efficient upgrades. Please visit the “Smart Energy Use” section of our website.

If you have difficulty paying your bill, there are several assistance programs that you may qualify for. Please contact your local Community Action Agency for information on payment assistance programs and to see if you qualify.

 

What is the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission?

Liberty Utilities is regulated by the NHPUC. The Commission is charged with ensuring that utilities offer safe, reliable service at reasonable rates. If a regulated utility wants to raise its rates, it must receive approval from the NHPUC to do so.

For more information on the NHPUC, please visit their web site at www.puc.nh.gov or call its Consumer Services Division at 1-800-852-3793.

 

Still have questions?
If you still have questions regarding our rate increase, you can contact our customer service department at 1-800-833-4200.

 

Our commitment to you:
Our employees live and work in NH. We support local jobs and the communities we live and work in. We consider it a privilege to serve you and will do our best meet your needs.

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