CONCORD, N.H. - Governor Kelly Ayotte today urged the return of more than $1.5 billion to electricity customers throughout New England, including $150 million for New Hampshire, following more than a decade of overcharges by transmission utilities on consumer power bills.

After 15 years of review, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concluded that New England's transmission utilities overcharged customers to boost returns for their shareholders. These utilities control the regional grid supplying power to New Hampshire residents and receive a FERC-set rate of return on investments. The FERC ruling in Coakley v. Bangor Hydro-Elec. Co. lowered those profit levels and directed a $1.5 billion refund to regional ratepayers. The utilities have since appealed the refund order, placing investor interests ahead of customers amid already elevated electric rates in New Hampshire and neighboring states.

"Granite Staters face excessive electricity costs, and it is unacceptable for utilities to block relief after overcharging customers for more than ten years," said Governor Ayotte. "New Hampshire stands with other New England states in opposing this utility appeal and seeking the return of over $150 million to state ratepayers. We will keep working to reduce electric bills and ensure utilities prioritize affordable rates over higher profits."

On Thursday, July 2, New Hampshire's Department of Energy and Office of the Consumer Advocate joined other New England states in filing a motion to intervene opposing the utility appeal.

"New Hampshire's Department of Energy and Office of the Consumer Advocate have teamed with energy offices across New England to restore these funds to the homes and businesses that paid inflated transmission rates for 15 years," said Commissioner Jared Chicoine of the Department of Energy.

Governor Ayotte has prioritized lowering electric bills and energy costs for Granite Staters through several actions:

Nominated and confirmed a new Public Utilities Commission Chairman who lists affordability as a top priority.
Pressed ISO New England to accelerate market rule changes that cut unneeded expenses.
Issued an Executive Order directing energy officials and stakeholders to create a plan for next-generation nuclear power in New Hampshire.
Joined other New England governors in a bipartisan pledge to advance next-generation nuclear power and increase regional energy supplies.
Partnered with New England governors on a letter asking FERC to deny a large profit hike for transmission utilities.