Liberty Utilities Requests Electric Distribution Rate Increase


For more information, contact:
 
Maureen Kirk
Marketing/Customer Communications
maureen.kirk@libertyutilities.com
(603) 328-2777
 
Kim Moore
Montagne Communications
kmoore@montagnecom.com
(603) 644-3200, ext. 16
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
   
Liberty Utilities Requests Electric Distribution Rate Increase

Salem, N.H. –  April 1, 2013 – Liberty Utilities has submitted a rate filing with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) requesting an increase in rates for electric distribution service – its first rate increase since 1996. Liberty Utilities serves 43,000 electric customers located in 23 communities in the western and southeastern areas of the state.

“We have worked diligently to keep distribution rates low. Unfortunately, they do not provide sufficient revenue to allow the company to recover its costs, invest in necessary capital expenditures and conduct the higher level of storm recovery preparation that is required today,” said William T. Sherry, Vice President, Customer Care for Liberty Utilities. “If the PUC approves our request, the bill for a typical residential customer using 500 kWh of electricity per month will increase by $12.91.”
Liberty Utilities is seeking permission to increase its electric distribution rates, which cover the cost of delivering electricity to its customers, including substations, utility poles and the wires that connect to homes and businesses.  The company is asking to increase its annual distribution revenues by approximately $15.4 million, which is an 18% increase in total operating revenues, according to Sherry. A temporary rate increase of approximately 60% of the full requested amount is also being sought.  Subject to the approval of the PUC, those rates would go into effect on July 1, 2013, and remain in effect until the case is concluded.
“We have made large investments in improving system reliability, as well as our preparations to recover from severe weather, which seems to be occurring more frequently over the last few years,” said Sherry.  “Prior to a big storm, we pre-position extra line and tree crews so we can restore power as quickly as possible. Costs are associated with planning, preparation activities and deployment of resources.”

 As well as continued improvements in the electric system, the company has made a large investment in safety and training programs over the years. Furthermore, the company provides training to public safety personnel complemented by general customer safety awareness information.
Sherry added that the company has seen a large increase in property taxes, insurance, and general operating costs.  With respect to property taxes, Liberty’s expenditures have doubled in five years.

According to Sherry, customers can minimize the impact of an increase by participating in the utility’s comprehensive energy efficiency programs.
“Customers can reduce their electric usage and save money, and many of our programs offer incentives that can help to offset the cost of making energy efficiency upgrades,” said Sherry.  “We encourage our customers – residential, commercial, and industrial – to contact us about participating in these programs.”
Customers can visit www.libertyutilities.com or call 1-800-375-7413 for more information.
Towns with Liberty Utilities electric customers include Acworth, Alstead, Atkinson, Bath, Canaan, Charlestown, Cornish, Derry, Enfield, Grafton, Hanover, Langdon, Lebanon, Lyme, Marlow, Monroe, Orange, Pelham, Plainfield, Salem, Surry, Walpole, Windham. 

About Liberty Utilities
Liberty Utilities is an independent water, natural gas and electric company providing local utility management, service and support to small and mid-sized communities across the United States. With more than 350,000 customers, Liberty Utilities is committed to local decision making that directly meets the needs of its customers. This means providing walk in customer service centers, creating jobs, and delivering responsive and reliable service. As a company, Liberty Utilities promotes local conservation and energy efficiency initiatives and programs for businesses and residential customers, including the low-income sector. The company measures its performance on customer experience, public and workplace safety, and service reliability. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire and Texas.  In New Hampshire, Liberty Utilities provides services to 87,000 natural gas and 43,000 electric distribution customers.
For more information, please visit www.LibertyUtilities.com.

Teens Robbed of I-pod/Cell Phone

 

MANCHESTER, NH- On Monday, February 11, 2013, at about 6:30 PM, Manchester Police responded to a Clay Street address for a report of a robbery.  On arrival, they met with two 16 year old Manchester teens who reported they had been the victims of a robbery a short time earlier on Somerville Street, near Belmont Street.

 

According to the boys, they were walking in the area when they were approached by two men, one of whom demanded their belongings, indicating his companion had a gun, although no gun was observed.

 

One of the boys surrendered his I-pod Nano and Galaxy S3 cell phone and the men left.  They were last seen leaving the area as passengers in an older, dark colored 4-door sedan operated by a third individual who was possibly wearing a red sweatshirt.

 

The first suspect was described as a white male in his forties, about 6’3” tall with a slender build and dark “stubble” on his face.  He was last seen wearing a dark colored vest and a green “beanie” style hat.  The second man, alleged to have possessed a gun, was described as a clean-shaven white male in his forties with an average height and build.  He was last seen wearing a camouflage shirt and khaki pants.

 

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Manchester Police Department at 668-8711.  Anonymous tips for cash rewards can be made through Manchester Crimeline at 624-4040 or online at manchestercrimeline.org.