WHO KNEW Choosing a Supplier of Electricity Could Be So Confusing?

Recently, many Hanover residents received a mailing from a company called ENH Power offering a 5 month promotional rate to sign up for their energy supply. Some residents are asking, “Is this the community power that we have been waiting for?” The answer is, “No.”

ENH Power is called a “competitive” or “third party” electric supplier. Since 1996, when the NH legislature passed a bill deregulating the electric utilities, consumers have been able to choose their electricity producer and supplier. Most people don’t choose and are automatically relegated to the default electric supply offered through the utility that DELIVERS their electricity, such as Liberty or Eversource. ENH Power is one of the many suppliers of electricity that residents are free to choose instead of the default supplier.

While Hanover Community Power (HCP) will also be a supplier of electricity, it is not a competitive supplier, and here’s why:

With few exceptions, Liberty and Eversource customers will be AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in HCP at a level of renewable energy that is equal to or higher than that currently offered through Liberty and Eversource AND at a lower cost. You will have three options: 1) Do nothing and stay at HCP’s default level; 2) Opt for a different level of renewable energy at HCP; or 3) Opt out altogether to stay with Liberty, Eversource or a competitive supplier. Regardless of your choice, Liberty and Eversource will still DELIVER your power and send you an invoice.

Hanover Community Power differs from ENH in other ways, too. Hanover citizens have input into the governance of both HCP and the agency tasked with its administration -- the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) -- allowing us to set our own priorities for our energy future. HCP is community based and local; ENH is based in Texas.

In mid-March, CPCNH will be sending a letter to all electric consumers in Hanover notifying them that enrollment in community power is about to begin. Enfield, Lebanon and Plainfield will also be launching their community power programs through CPCNH at this time. Within 15 days of this mailing, each of these towns will hold public meetings so that residents will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Please check out sustainablehanovernh.org/communitypower where you can learn more about Hanover Community Power and find answers to frequently asked questions.

The bottom line is that ENH Power is NOT Hanover Community Power.