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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (November 9, 2026) – Rhode Island Energy (RIE) today announced expansions to its Electric Discount Rate program through a new income-based structure. The new Enhanced Electric Discount Rate is designed to provide more electric bill assistance to customers with the greatest financial need.

The Enhanced Electric Discount Rate will introduce five income-based discount tiers, with eligible customers in the lowest income category receiving reductions of 75 percent on their electric bills. Discounts will scale with household income, directing additional support to those who need it most. This change will only impact electric customers, as the Gas Discount Rate remains unchanged.

"There's a lot of talk about affordability right now, and these enhancements provide real solutions for income-qualified customers by making sure their discount is directly tied to their financial circumstances," said Greg Cornett, President of RIE. "We worked closely with low-income advocates and others in developing this enhanced program, and we encourage anyone who's feeling the strain of household costs to reach out and see if they qualify for this support."

Under the enhanced program, eligible customers will receive one of five discount levels based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL): 10%, 38%, 56%, 66% or 75% off their electric bills.

Customers who are determined eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or who receive benefits through SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Rhode Island Works, or General Public Assistance, may qualify for the Enhanced Electric Discount Rate. RIE relies on the Rhode Island Department of Human Services to then assign customers a discount based on their income eligibility. Customers who are currently on the Electric Discount Rate will receive notifications in the coming weeks about their new discount levels under the Enhanced Electric Discount Rate.

Enhanced Electric Discount Rate participants will also continue to have access to a range of customer assistance programs and services, including Budget Billing, energy efficiency programs, customer advocate support, payment assistance programs, forgiveness programs, LIHEAP, Operation Help, and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. RIE will continue to complement direct bill assistance with programs that help customers manage their energy costs over the long term.

"Affordability is about more than bill assistance alone," added Cornett. "We remain committed to connecting customers with the tools, programs, and resources available to help manage energy usage and improve financial stability."

RIE is working to implement the Enhanced Electric Discount Rate in early 2027 and will provide customers with advance notice before any changes take effect. There are no immediate changes to customer bills at this time.

For more information on this program and additional bill help resources, please visit rienergy.com/toolkit.

About Rhode Island Energy 

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity and natural gas. Our team of more than 1,300 employees is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive, while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions.  

For more information visit www.RIEnergy.com and stay connected on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.