Will I Get Cut Off?
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New Hampshire

NHModerate
14
Days notice (electric)
14
Days notice (gas)
✓
Winter moratorium
✓
Medical exemption

What to do today

If you have a shutoff notice, the date on it is the one that matters. These steps work best in this order.

  1. Call your utility before the date on your notice

    Ask for a payment plan or a deferred payment arrangement. Most states require your utility to offer one, and asking before the date is what keeps your service on. The number is on your bill.

  2. Apply for energy assistance

    LIHEAP helps with utility bills and does not have to be paid back. Call the national referral line on 1-866-674-6327 weekdays 9am to 7pm Eastern, or visit energyhelp.us.

  3. Dial 211 for local help

    211 is free and connects you to local funds for utilities, rent and food. Some local agencies can pay a utility directly to stop a shutoff.

  4. Ask about medical certification

    New Hampshire recognises medical protections. If anyone in your home has a serious illness or relies on powered medical equipment, a note from a doctor can delay a shutoff. Ask your utility for the form today, because it usually has to be back within days.

  5. Contact the regulator if your utility will not work with you

    puc.nh.gov handles complaints against regulated utilities in New Hampshire. Filing one can pause a disconnection while it is looked at.

ElectricGasWaterMedicalLow IncomeRegulator

Electric Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice required14 days
Reconnection feeVaries by utility
Winter moratorium: Utilities must seek PUC approval before disconnecting customers age 65+ and customers with known financial hardship during winter. Residential customers cannot be disconnected for non-payment of a deposit or portion of a deposit during winter. No disconnection on weekends or holidays; utilities must attempt personal or phone contact at least 2 days before shutoff during winter. Protections are limited to age 65+ and hardship cases — not all residential customers.

Major Utilities

Eversource Energy…Liberty Utilities…New Hampshire Ele…Unitil Energy Sys…

Eversource Energy (Public Service of New Hampshire / PSNH)

Majority of New Hampshire; approximately 500,000 customers across most of the state; subsidiary of Eversource Energy; operates as Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) dba Eversource Energy under NHPUC No. 10 tariff

14-day notice
Winter moratorium (Nov 15–Mar 31, per Puc 1203.12): utility may not disconnect residential heating customers owing less than $450 (electric heat) or $225 (non-heating electric)
no disconnection for non-payment of deposit during winter period
Medical emergency (Puc 1205): disconnection postponed upon receipt of licensed physician/APRN/PA/mental health practitioner certification
Eversource offers online medical emergency protection portal
Governed by NH Admin Rules Puc 1203 and NHPUC Tariff No
14 calendar days written notice required before disconnection for nonpayment (Puc 1203.11)
Disconnection only Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m
prohibited on state/federal holidays and days immediately preceding holidays
customers 65+ and those with known financial hardship require additional Commission review before disconnection
Reconnection fee exists per tariff but exact current dollar amount was not accessible from primary sources during research (NHPUC No
10 tariff PDFs were unreadable)
Reconnection must be requested
service restored Mon–Thu during business hours
Assistance Programs

Electric Assistance Program (EAP): 8–76% discount on first 750 kWh for income-eligible customers (≤60% NH State Median Income); apply via local Community Action Agency. New Start/Arrearage Management Program: past-due balance forgiveness in as few as 12 months for income-eligible customers (Eversource only among NH utilities). Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund: up to $300 (electric heat) or $200 (non-heat) per two years for customers ineligible for LIHEAP with a disconnect notice. LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance: $100–$2,177 per year via local Community Action Agency. NHSaves income-eligible energy efficiency: no-cost weatherization and up to $6,000 in upgrades for households ≤100% State Median Income.

"NH Admin Code Puc 1203.11 (Disconnection of Service) — Cornell LII; Eversource Payment Assistance NH page; NHSaves 2024–2026 Plan." law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 19 May 2026.

Liberty Utilities (Granite State Electric)

Western and southern areas of New Hampshire not served by Eversource; approximately 50,000 customers (~6% of NH electric customers); formerly Granite State Electric, now operating as Liberty Utilities under NHPUC No. 23 tariff; subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities / Liberty Utilities Co.

14-day notice
Winter moratorium (Nov 15–Mar 31): no disconnection of residential heating customers owing less than $450 (electric heat) or $225 (non-heating electric)
Medical emergency: disconnection postponed per Puc 1205 upon physician/APRN/PA certification
Governed by NH Admin Rules Puc 1203 and NHPUC Tariff No
23 (Electricity Delivery Service, effective May 1, 2026)
14 calendar days written notice required before disconnection for nonpayment (Puc 1203.11)
Disconnection only Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m
prohibited on state/federal holidays and preceding days
Reconnection fee charged per tariff schedule
specific current dollar amount not accessible from primary source PDFs during research
Service area includes towns in western and southern NH
Assistance Programs

Electric Assistance Program (EAP): 8–76% discount on electric delivery charges for income-eligible customers (≤60% NH State Median Income); apply via local Community Action Agency. Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund: up to $300 (electric heat) or $200 (non-heat) per two years for customers with disconnect notice ineligible for LIHEAP. LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance via local Community Action Agency. NHSaves income-eligible energy efficiency programs. No arrearage management program (Eversource AMP is Eversource-only).

"N.H. Admin. Code Puc 1203.11, Disconnection of Service, via Cornell LII." law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC)

Rural areas across New Hampshire; approximately 84,000 member-accounts (~12% of NH electric customers); headquartered in Plymouth, NH; member-owned cooperative operating under a certificate of deregulation filed with the NHPUC

14-day notice
NHEC holds a certificate of derogation under RSA 374 and is largely exempt from NHPUC rate regulation
Minimum balance thresholds apply: non-winter accounts must owe >$100 and be 60+ days past due
winter accounts must owe >$225 (non-electric heat) or >$450 (electric heat)
Winter moratorium (Nov 15–Mar 31): cooperative provides minimum 48 hours advance notice in person or by telephone to an adult at the premises before disconnecting during winter period
Medical emergency (Section G.5): disconnection postponed pending written physician verification
however, NHEC's own Terms & Conditions explicitly state: 'The disconnection of a member for failure to pay is governed by the New Hampshire PUC 1203 Rules.' 14-day written notice required before disconnection for nonpayment (Section G.2 of T&C)
member must negotiate payment arrangement
Reconnection fee charged per Schedule of Fees
specific dollar amount not accessible from primary source PDFs during research
Payment arrangements per Puc 1203.07
Assistance Programs

Electric Assistance Program (EAP): 8–76% discount on electric delivery charges for income-eligible members (≤60% NH State Median Income); apply via local Community Action Agency. Project Care: charitable grant program (one grant per 12 months) for members who have applied to other agencies first; helps prevent disconnection or restore terminated service within 30 days. Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund: up to $300 (electric heat) or $200 (non-heat) per two years for members with disconnect notice ineligible for LIHEAP. LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance via local Community Action Agency. NHSaves income-eligible energy efficiency programs. Payment Arrangements: contact NHEC Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at 800-698-2007 Option 5.

"NHEC Terms & Conditions (Sections G.1–G.6); NHEC Payment Programs page." nhec.com. Retrieved 19 May 2026.

Unitil Energy Systems (NH Electric)

Seacoast and southern New Hampshire; approximately 11% of NH electric customers; communities include Exeter, Hampton, Stratham, Seabrook, North Hampton, Kingston, Greenland, Newmarket, and Epping; subsidiary of Unitil Corporation; operates under NHPUC No. 3 tariff

14-day notice
Winter moratorium (Nov 15–Mar 31): no disconnection of residential heating customers owing less than $450 (electric heat) or $225 (non-heating electric)
Medical emergency: disconnection postponed per Puc 1205 upon physician/APRN/PA certification
Governed by NH Admin Rules Puc 1203 and NHPUC Tariff No. 3 (Electricity Delivery)
14 calendar days written notice required before disconnection for nonpayment (Puc 1203.11)
Disconnection only Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m
prohibited on state/federal holidays and preceding days
When cause for disconnection is removed, company will reconnect upon customer request per Puc 1203.13
'the Company may make a reasonable charge for reconnection' per NHPUC No
12 Gas tariff reference (applicable rule framework same for UES electric)
Specific reconnection fee dollar amount not accessible from primary source PDFs during research
Assistance Programs

Electric Assistance Program (EAP): 8–76% discount on electric delivery charges for income-eligible customers (≤60% NH State Median Income); apply via local Community Action Agency. Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund: up to $300 (electric heat) or $200 (non-heat) per two years for customers with disconnect notice ineligible for LIHEAP. LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance via local Community Action Agency. NHSaves income-eligible energy efficiency programs.

"N.H. Admin. Code Puc 1203.11, Disconnection of Service, via Cornell LII." law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Gas Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice required14 days
Reconnection feeVaries by utility

Major Utilities

Liberty Utilities…Unitil (Northern …

Liberty Utilities (EnergyNorth Natural Gas)

Manchester, Concord, Berlin, Keene, and approximately 30 cities and towns along the I-93 corridor in central and southern NH; approximately 98,000 gas customers; formerly EnergyNorth Natural Gas, now Liberty Utilities (EnergyNorth Natural Gas) Corp.; subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities / Liberty Utilities Co.; operates under NHPUC Tariff No. 12 for Gas Service

14-day notice
Winter moratorium (Nov 15–Mar 31): no disconnection of residential gas heating customers owing less than $450
Medical emergency: disconnection postponed per Puc 1205 upon physician/APRN/PA certification
Governed by NH Admin Rules Puc 1203 and NHPUC Gas Tariff No
12 (Liberty Gas)
14 calendar days written notice required before disconnection for nonpayment (Puc 1203.11)
Disconnection only Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m
prohibited on state/federal holidays and preceding days
customers 65+ and those with known financial hardship require Commission review before disconnection
Reconnection fee charged per tariff
specific dollar amount not accessible from primary source tariff PDFs during research
Current tariff: NHPUC No
12, effective May 1, 2026
Assistance Programs

Gas Assistance Program (GAP): 45% discount on the delivery portion of heating bills for income-eligible customers (Nov–Apr); participants must receive or qualify for LIHEAP/means-tested program; apply via local Community Action Agency or call Liberty at 1-800-833-4200. Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (Neighbor Helping Neighbor): up to $300 (gas+electric heat customer) or $200 (gas only) per two years for customers with disconnect notice ineligible for LIHEAP. LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance: $100–$2,177 per year via local Community Action Agency. Discount Rate: reduced rate for income-eligible gas heating households. NHSaves income-eligible energy efficiency programs.

"N.H. Admin. Code Puc 1203.11, Disconnection of Service, via Cornell LII." law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Unitil (Northern Utilities) — NH Gas

Seacoast area of New Hampshire; approximately 35,000 gas customers in 25 communities in the southeastern seacoast region; operates as Northern Utilities, Inc. d/b/a Unitil; subsidiary of Unitil Corporation; operates under NHPUC No. 12 Gas tariff

14-day notice
Winter moratorium (Nov 15–Mar 31): no disconnection of residential gas heating customers owing less than $450
Medical emergency: disconnection postponed per Puc 1205 upon physician/APRN/PA certification
Governed by NH Admin Rules Puc 1203 and NHPUC Gas Tariff No
12 (Northern Utilities)
14 calendar days written notice required before disconnection for nonpayment (Puc 1203.11)
Disconnection only Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m
prohibited on state/federal holidays and preceding days
customers 65+ and financial hardship customers require additional review before disconnection
Per NHPUC No
12 tariff: 'When the cause for disconnection has been removed, the Company will reconnect service upon the Customer's request, in accordance with Rule PUC 1203.13 and the Company may make a reasonable charge for reconnection.' Specific reconnection fee dollar amount not accessible from primary source tariff PDFs during research
Assistance Programs

Gas Assistance Program (GAP): 45% discount on the delivery portion of heating bills for income-eligible customers (Nov–Apr); participants must receive or qualify for LIHEAP/means-tested program; apply via local Community Action Agency or call Unitil at 1-888-301-7700. Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund: up to $300 (gas+electric customer) or $200 (gas only) per two years for customers with disconnect notice ineligible for LIHEAP. LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance: $100–$2,177 per year via local Community Action Agency. NHSaves income-eligible energy efficiency programs.

"N.H. Admin. Code Puc 1203.11, Disconnection of Service, via Cornell LII." law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Water Shutoff Rules

Regulatory notice requiredNot regulated / varies

Major Utilities

Aquarion Water Co…Pennichuck Water …

Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire

Seacoast communities in NH; primarily Hampton, North Hampton, Rye, and Stratham; approximately 9,733 customers; owned by Eversource Energy (pending sale to Unitil Corp., which was NH-PUC approved Oct 2025 but overall transaction remains pending as of May 2026 due to MA DPU complications); operating under Aquarion brand as Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire

14-day notice
Medical emergency protections per Puc 1205 apply
Winter moratorium protections per Puc 1203.12 apply to extent applicable to water service
Governed by NH Admin Rules Puc 1203 and NHPUC Water Tariff No. 1
Note on current ownership: Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire is currently owned by Eversource Energy (acquired 2017)
The company is NOT yet branded as Eversource Water — it continues to operate as Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire
A pending sale to Unitil Corp. (via Aquarion Water Authority) was NH-PUC approved in October 2025 but the overall transaction remains pending as of May 2026 due to Massachusetts regulatory complications
14-day written notice required before disconnection for nonpayment (Puc 1203.11 and confirmed by search results referencing Abenaki tariff which follows same PUC rules)
Pre-shutoff: technician makes one final contact attempt before scheduled shutoff date
customer can prevent shutoff by paying 5% of balance or $25, whichever is less
Reconnection after shutoff: must call during business hours (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)
enroll in Flexible Payment Plan and pay 50% of past-due balance plus reconnection charge (maximum $1,000 total for plan enrollment)
Reconnection fee specific dollar amount not accessible from primary source tariff PDFs during research
Assistance Programs

Flexible Payment Plan: pay 5% of balance or $25 (whichever is less) before scheduled shutoff date to prevent disconnection; or enroll in plan and pay 50% of past-due balance plus reconnection charge to restore service after shutoff. Payment arrangements available for up to 12 months. Customers with active payment arrangement (with no missed payments) protected from disconnection. Contact Customer Service at 1-800-732-9678. No utility-specific low-income discount program found for NH water customers; LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance for heating only.

"N.H. Admin. Code Puc 1203.11, Disconnection of Service, via Cornell LII." law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Pennichuck Water Works

Greater Nashua area and numerous smaller systems across southern and central New Hampshire; approximately 38,640 customers (largest NH water utility); sole owner is the City of Nashua (acquired 2012); since March 1, 2025, merged with former Pennichuck East Utility and Pittsfield Aqueduct Company into a single system adding ~20 additional communities; operates under NHPUC Tariff No. 6

14-day notice
Medical emergency protections per Puc 1205 apply
Winter moratorium protections per Puc 1203.12 apply
Governed by NH Admin Rules Puc 1203 and NHPUC Water Tariff No. 6 (current tariff authorized by NHPUC Order No
27,098 in DW 23-101, effective March 1, 2025)
Disconnect notice sent when bill is past due
if no contact by disconnection date, service is disconnected
Company will only reconnect until 6:00 PM on the day of disconnection
reconnections requested after 6:00 PM are performed after 7:30 AM the next business day
Reconnection requires payment of bill plus a service/reconnection charge
specific dollar amount not accessible from primary source tariff PDFs during research (Pennichuck website 403 blocked
PUC-hosted tariff PDF also 403 blocked)
Note on ownership: Pennichuck is city-owned (Nashua) but remains regulated by the NHPUC
Not for sale despite August 2025 statements by state officials (Nashua Mayor clarified)
Assistance Programs

Contact Pennichuck customer service at 800-553-5191 or [email protected] for payment arrangements. No utility-specific low-income rate discount program found on primary source during research. General NH assistance programs (LIHEAP for heating costs, not water bills) are available via local Community Action Agencies. Customers in arrears should contact Pennichuck before the disconnection date.

"N.H. Admin. Code Puc 1203.11, Disconnection of Service, via Cornell LII." law.cornell.edu. Retrieved 21 Sep 2026.

Medical & Vulnerable Household Exemptions

Medical emergency certification postpones disconnection. Customers with expired medical certifications have a defined reconnection process under Puc 1205.05.

Low-Income Protections

NH LIHEAP / Electric Assistance Program (EAP) available. Eversource NH and Liberty Utilities offer low-income rate assistance. NH Office of Strategic Initiatives administers energy assistance.

Your State Regulator

File a complaint or get help from New Hampshire's utility regulator →

Data last verified: 2026-09-21. Rules may change — verify with your state regulator.