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Council authorizes citywide mailer comparing community power and Eversource rates amid debate over timing and cost
Summary
After debate about accuracy, timing and outreach strategy, the council authorized an Every Door Direct Mail postcard to all Portsmouth households showing community power pricing versus the incumbent supplier and how to opt out; critics urged routing the effort through the Energy Advisory Committee and warned the published rates could change soon.
The Portsmouth City Council voted April 20 to send an Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) postcard to every household in the city comparing community power pricing with the incumbent supplier and explaining how residents can opt out.
Councilor Bagley moved the measure, citing widespread resident interest and the potential for immediate monthly savings for low‑income households. He said the mailer would cost roughly $4,466 for printing and postage and argued the return on investment could be substantial if many residents used the information to change suppliers. “We are the message is getting out in Portsmouth like it's not getting out in other communities,” he said, noting a high opt‑out count in March.
Other councilors expressed concern about the timing and medium. Councilor Tabler and others said rates will be set again in six to eight weeks, and that a postcard published now could be outdated; they recommended the Energy Advisory Committee and communications staff assess the best delivery method. Councilor Cook and others also worried direct mail might not reach digitally engaged residents and suggested the city newsletter or website as alternatives. Communications staff (Monty Boharren mentioned by a councilor) was cited as a preferable partner to ensure accurate, accessible content.
Despite concerns, the motion passed on a council vote to proceed at the city manager’s earliest convenience. Councilors and staff agreed that any specific copy and a final timeline should be coordinated with the Energy Advisory Committee and the communications team as feasible. Several councilors said they supported outreach but preferred waiting for the next rate window or a coordinated campaign.
What’s next: the city manager will execute the mailer program; staff will coordinate with the Energy Advisory Committee and communications staff where possible, and the council indicated willingness to repeat outreach tied to six‑month rate reviews if there is a meaningful price differential.
