Electricity rates will likely increase for many New Hampshire residents next year, but at a lower rate than originally expected because of falling oil prices.
Public Service Co. of New Hampshire said Tuesday that it is filing a request to set an energy charge of 9.92 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to the current charge of 9.57 cents.
The utility said that the monthly bill of a residential customer using 500 kilowatt hours of power a month would increase by $3.53, or 4.3 percent, to $85.48.
PSNH said that in September, it expected to request a rate of 10.51 cents per kilowatt hour, but falling oil prices have reduced the costs associated with producing or purchasing energy.
PSNH said next year’s energy charge will include costs associated with new environmental programs. The company expects to spend about $7.6 million aimed at reducing carbon monoxide emissions for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and $10.7 million to promote the growth of renewable energy as part of the Renewable Portfolio Standard.
PSNH said that even with the increase, its energy charge would be among the lowest in New England.
The rate will have to be approved by the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission.