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NH 8th on energy costs

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A new report from WalletHub ranked New Hampshire 8th in the nation on energy costs.  

The report ranked states based on the average monthly consumption and average retail price of electricity, natural gas, home heating oil, and motor fuel.

New Hampshire’s rank was driven by high electricity and natural gas prices, and high consumption of home heating oil.

Some may point to this ranking as evidence in favor of expanded natural gas pipelines and transmission line projects in New Hampshire.

Alex Koutroubas, the executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of NH, wrote a recent editorial in favor of expanding energy infrastructure, particularly natural gas pipelines. 

“Did you know that New Englanders pay 53 percent more for our electricity than the national average?” wrote Koutroubas.  “The culprit? Our state’s aging energy infrastructure. Experts estimate that this aging infrastructure cost New England an extra $7.5 billion during the past three years.” 

Opponents argue that pipelines and transmission lines will damage New Hampshire’s environment and property values.  They suggest renewable energy and energy efficiency as alternative initiatives.

According to an article from the New Hampshire Pipeline Awareness Network, “There’s a widespread belief that natural gas is an environmentally friendly fuel that is abundant and cheap. This perception is at best overly simplistic; when industry players and politicians seek to exploit it by trumpeting these supposed benefits as justification for projects like the Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline, it becomes downright dangerous.” 

Do you have an opinion on New Hampshire’s electricity costs?  Share your thoughts in a comment below.

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