Merrimack County briefed on 9.7¢ Granite Basic rate after failed power purchase; coalition outlines opt-out, legal review and pending legislation

Merrimack County commissioners were briefed on a January board decision by the Community Power Coalition that raised the coalition’s Granite Basic supply rate to 9.7¢ per kilowatt-hour, a change that coalition staff said will take effect when customers’ meters are read in March.

The coalition’s presenter, Andrew (Community Power Coalition representative), told commissioners the board set the 9.7¢ rate after a New Hampshire generator with which the coalition had negotiated to cover roughly 30% of load failed to complete a power purchase agreement at the eleventh hour. "A decision had to be taken," Andrew said, explaining the board closed hedges to limit exposure to a rapidly rising short‑term market and maintain the coalition’s reserves and creditworthiness.

The rate increase follows a Jan. 31 board meeting and a subsequent nonpublic session. Coalition staff described their current work as twofold: (1) responding to member questions and explaining the immediate market and contract decisions and (2) conducting a legal and policy review to determine whether changes to governance, contracting or procedures are needed.

Why it matters: the coalition said the failed deal and higher short‑term market pricing left it exposed to winter pricing…