Portsmouth’s community electricity program to shift winter prices Nov. 1; town says residents saved about $355,000 since launch

Portsmouth town staff and the program’s vendor updated the Town Council on winter pricing for the Portsmouth Community Electricity product and the program’s recent performance.

Rachel, the program presenter, said the new pricing takes effect Nov. 1 and that customers will receive the new rates automatically without taking action. “Since May 2023, when the program launched, in total, Portsmouth residents have saved about $355,000,” she said, adding that the savings average about $55 per residential customer.

Rachel also outlined the program’s environmental impact. She said the town’s purchases amount to roughly 3,500 megawatt‑hours of additional renewable energy annually and estimated the avoided emissions at over 2,000,000 pounds of CO2 per year, approximately equivalent to taking about 440 vehicles off the road for a year.

Councilors questioned whether the pricing slides were transposed — noting the basic rate (which excludes renewables) is normally lower than the standard rate (which includes renewables). The presenter acknowledged a possible slide error, clarified the town would be held to the numbers on councilors’ screens (Portsmouth basic about $16.044 per MWh and standard about $16.287 per MWh), and confirmed that the 100% renewable product could be higher this period because of procurement timing and market conditions.

Rachel cautioned that savings cannot be guaranteed because last‑resort service prices change every six months and market conditions vary.

What happens next: The winter rates become effective Nov. 1; staff said no customer action is required and that the vendor will provide contact information for follow‑up questions.