CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — State energy regulators have approved the sale of 12 Eversource Energy power plants, a move expected to save customers money.
The nine hydro facilities and three fossil-fuel plants, including coal-fired Merrimack Station, Newington Station and Schiller Station in Portsmouth will be sold at auction overseen by the state Public Utilities Commission, which approved the sale Friday.
Commissioners estimated $165 million in saving during the first five years.
The agreement allows Eversource to recover $415 million from customers of the cost to install a mercury scrubber at Merrimack Station. Eversource agreed to forgo $25 million of the scrubber's cost, which the PUC found "reasonable."
Eversource would eventually purchase power on the competitive market, in line with the practices of other utilities.
Gov. Maggie Hassan said the agreement reduces costs to ratepayers and avoids costly litigation.