The Bottom Line: Unitil, The Rubber Group and Connection

A roundup of news updates from public companies in NH and nationwide

UNITIL FILES FOR A CHANGE IN RATES

Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) announced recently that its New Hampshire natural gas distribution utility, Northern Utilities New Hampshire, filed a base rate case with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission requesting approval to change distribution rates for all customers. This filing will be subject to comprehensive review by the PUC in a base rate case proceeding that may last up to a year. The company’s last base rate case was filed in 2021.

The proposed rates are designed to provide revenues in support of the company’s investments and operating costs. The filing includes a proposed multiyear rate plan, continuation of a revenue decoupling mechanism, and other rate design and tariff changes.

“Reviewing our distribution rates is a regular part of ensuring the delivery portion of customer bills reflects the actual cost of providing service,” said Unitil External Affairs Manager Amanda Vicinanzo. “Any proposed changes are carefully evaluated by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission to ensure they are prudent and in the public interest, while allowing us to continue providing safe, reliable and affordable service.”

If the rates are approved as filed, the typical residential heating customer using an average of 56 therms a month would see an increase of $16.22 per month, or 14.2%, over the current bill. Effects on individual customers will vary depending on rate class and usage characteristics.

THE RUBBER GROUP ACQUIRES DIVERSIFIED PLASTICS

Diversified Plastics, Inc. (DPI), a precision plastics manufacturer, has joined The Rubber Group (TRG), a provider of high-performance rubber solutions based in Rochester, in a move aimed at expanding a complementary manufacturing platform.

The partnership brings together rubber, plastics and urethane capabilities under a single integrated offering, allowing both companies to broaden their engineered solutions and pursue cross-selling opportunities.

“The combination is about growth,” said Rob Pruyn, president of TRG. “By combining capabilities, we can better serve customers with a wider range of solutions.”

As part of the agreement, DPI will operate as Diversified Plastics Industrial Solutions. The company will remain at its Missoula, Montana facility, retaining its leadership team, workforce and existing customer relationships.

DPI founder Brad Reid said the decision followed careful consideration of the company’s long-term future. “This partnership positions DPI to continue and enhance our service to customers for another 50 years,” he said.

Both companies serve overlapping markets, including water and wastewater, food and beverage, industrial manufacturing and transportation.

CONNECTION RECOGNIZED BY DELL TECHNOLOGIES

Connection (NASDAQ: CNXN) — an IT solutions provider to business, government, health care and education markets — has been recognized as a 2026 Dell Technologies Titanium Black Partner.

This Dell Technologies Partner Program distinction recognizes Connection among a group of Dell’s most strategic partners best equipped to navigate today’s technology landscape and support their customers.

“Our robust partner ecosystem is one of our greatest strengths, and its impact is measured by the tangible results we deliver for customers,” said Denise Millard, chief partner officer for Dell Technologies. “We are pleased to welcome Connection as a 2026 Dell Technologies Titanium Black partner. This collaboration deepens our collective ability to support customers as they tackle today’s challenges and plan for tomorrow.”

“Achieving Titanium Black status is a significant milestone for Connection and a testament to the expertise and dedication of our teams,” said Tim McGrath, president and CEO of Connection. “Our relationship with Dell Technologies is built on a shared commitment to innovation and customer success. This recognition reinforces our ability to deliver scalable, end-to-end solutions that help our customers solve their most complex business challenges and achieve superior long-term outcomes. Thank you to Dell Technologies for this honor, and for collaborating with Connection to advance the technology goals of our mutual customers.”