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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 21, 2025) – Rhode Island Energy (RIE) customers can expect to see lower electric supply prices this upcoming winter when compared to last winter. The energy company today filed a proposed winter electric supply price of 14.77 cents/kWh with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC). That price for the upcoming winter period (October 1 – March 31) is 9% lower than last winter’s 16.387 cents/kWh. 

These “Last Resort Service” (LRS) costs apply to customers who choose not to shop for their electric supply or are not enrolled in a municipal aggregation program. LRS rates are a direct pass-through — customers pay exactly what Rhode Island Energy pays for the electricity supply, with no markup or profit.

“Unfortunately, the New England region remains in the cycle where winter electric supply costs are higher than those during the summer months, but it is good news for customers that we have been able to procure supply for the upcoming winter at lower prices than we have seen over the last several winters,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy. “Still, we understand energy costs can be a burden for Rhode Islanders, especially during the winter months, and that is why we have been working hard to deliver additional relief to customers beyond lower supply prices.” 

Delivering relief when customers need it most

In line with that commitment to affordability, Rhode Island Energy has taken a number of additional steps to bring relief for customers for the upcoming winter season.

First, Rhode Island Energy and the Advocacy Section of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers submitted a proposal to credit electric customers $20-30 per month and credit gas customers $40-50 per month in January, February, and March 2026 and 2027. This funding stems from a commitment made by Rhode Island Energy’s parent company three years ago. Instead of spreading the credits from this commitment over several decades, Rhode Island Energy approached the Advocacy Section to accelerate and concentrate these credits during upcoming peak winter months. The proposal is currently undergoing regulatory review.

Second, in addition to the credits described above, RIE has been advised by Governor McKee’s administration that the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources has been directed to allocate $5 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds to provide bill credits to customers on the low-income discount rate in October, November, and December.

Third, RIE is also developing a new, employee-funded assistance program in conjunction with its parent company, PPL, to help its most vulnerable customers with winter bill assistance. That fund, which will be called Operation Help, is being finalized and will be ready to offer assistance later this year. RIE will also continue its support for the Good Neighbor Energy Fund which also provides heating assistance across the Ocean State.

Things you can do now: RIE 5-point customer checklist

Rhode Island Energy also encourages all customers to explore the wide range of programs and resources designed to help manage energy costs. Customers can take advantage of the following programs today.

1. Sign up for Budget Billing and spread your payments evenly across 12 months.

2. Explore the benefits of energy efficiency through our Rebate Programs or a no-cost Home Energy Assessment.

3. Shop for Alternate Supply Prices to compare options, make informed power supply choices and find the best electric price.

4. Take advantage of direct support offered through the  Good Neighbor Energy Fund, our Discount Rates program and LIHEAP.

5. Consider consulting with our Customer Advocates. These dedicated team members will help you identify the best assistance solutions.

Information on each of these resources can be easily found at: Powering Through This Winter. Together. For information on bill help resources go to our Bill Help Toolkit.

“Small changes can lead to big savings,” Cornett said. “From no-cost home energy assessments to energy efficiency incentives and flexible budget plans, we offer tools readily available year-round to help customers take charge of energy costs. We’re doing more than delivering energy; we’re delivering solutions that can help customers better manage costs over the winter and create a more resilient energy future for all.”

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About Rhode Island Energy

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity or 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, and Facebook.