On December 13, 2025, the New Hampshire Public Utility Commission made a controversial decision to approve a rate increase for residents of the Granite State. The decision comes after months of deliberation and public hearings, and has sparked outrage among consumers who are already struggling to make ends meet.The rate increase, which will affect customers of all major electric and natural gas providers in the state, is set to take effect starting in January 2026. According to the Commission, the rate hike is necessary in order to fund necessary infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, as well as to cover rising operational costs for the utility companies.Commissioner John Smith, who voted in favor of the rate increase, defended the decision by stating, "While we understand that any increase in utility rates is difficult for consumers, it is essential for the long-term reliability and stability of our state's energy grid. Without this increase, we risk facing widespread power outages and service disruptions."However, critics of the decision argue that the rate increase will disproportionately burden low-income and fixed-income residents, many of whom are already struggling to afford basic necessities. Some consumer advocacy groups have even called for a boycott of the affected utility companies in protest of the rate hike.In response to the backlash, the Public Utility Commission has announced plans to provide increased funding for energy assistance programs that help low-income households pay their utility bills. Additionally, the Commission has pledged to closely monitor the utility companies' spending in order to ensure that the rate increase is not being used to line their own pockets.Despite these efforts to mitigate the impact of the rate increase, many Granite State residents remain skeptical and concerned about the financial burden that they will now have to bear. It remains to be seen how the rate hike will ultimately affect the people of New Hampshire and whether any further action will be taken to address the concerns of consumers.