N.H. Bill Would Require Suppliers to List Rate Changes in Advance on Customer's Bill

A bill (SB 0170) has been filed in the New Hampshire General Court which would require that a customer's electric bill list any rate change which is applicable for the next month of service.

SB 0170 would require a redesign of the standard billing format for residential customers, "to enable such customers to compare pricing policies and charges among incumbent utilities and competitive electric suppliers."

Such format shall include the placement of the following items on the first page of each residential customer's bill from an electric distribution company:

(1) The electric generation service rate.

(2) The term and expiration date of such rate.

(3) Any change to such rate effective for the next billing cycle.

(4) The cancellation fee, if applicable, provided there is such a change.

(5) Notification that such rate is variable, if applicable.

(6) The default service rate.

(7) The term and expiration date of the default service rate.

The bill would allow residential customers, "to choose how to receive information related to bill notices, including mail, electronic mail, text message, an application on a cellular telephone or a third-party notification service approved by the commission."

The bill also calls for development of a PUC-run rate board, and the development of a standard summary form of the material terms and conditions of the contract for electric generation services for residential customers.

The bill has 12 sponsors.