NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE PUBLIC BENEFIT FUNDS FOR RATE ASSISTANCE

Beginning October 1, 2002, the state began operating a Tiered Discount Program, a modified percentage of income plan. The tiers are structured to provide qualified low-income households with monthly energy bill payments equal to, on average, four percent of income for general use customers and six percent for electric heat users. Local community action agencies determine eligibility based on income levels and then identify the discount that goes with each income level. Overall, the discounts range from 15 to 90 percent. The TDP will reach 23,800 households, costing about $10 million annually, including upfront arrearage retirement.

See electricity utility restructuring for more details.

LEVERAGING

2002: $3.2 million
2001: $1.1 million
2000: $402,858