News Releases

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (August 27, 2025) – Rhode Island Energy (RIE) is continuing to make a series of necessary strategic investments in electric and natural gas projects designed to upgrade its infrastructure to meet increasing energy demands.

"We’re committed to providing our customers with safe, reliable, and affordable energy year-round, and are continuing our investment in the Ocean State with multiple infrastructure projects," said Rhode Island Energy President Greg Cornett. "These projects will help lay the foundation for the grid of the future, ensuring that our customers and communities benefit from advanced, reliable energy infrastructure for years to come.”

Four new infrastructure projects have recently or will soon kick off this summer, with a fifth project slated for completion. The following projects highlight Rhode Island Energy’s commitment to resilient infrastructure and customer-focused improvements across the state:

Wampanoag Trail pipeline replacement

Rhode Island Energy recently completed a natural gas infrastructure project ahead of schedule in East Providence, replacing a more than 50-year-old, two-mile-long pipeline that runs from Wampanoag Trail to Providence.

This $14 million upgrade effort ensures continued reliability and safety across the energy network, reinforcing an important segment of the state's gas distribution system. As part of the project, Rhode Island Energy has also upgraded capabilities at its gate station to enhance the delivery of natural gas to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Allens Avenue.

Residents and commuters will see additional benefits from the project, with Rhode Island Energy repaving the affected areas later this year.

Nobert Street electric substation

Rhode Island Energy started construction in early August to expand the existing electric substation on Nobert Street in Warren with state-of-the-art infrastructure, designed to support the growing energy needs of the Warren and Barrington communities.

This expansion project will bolster the region’s electrical infrastructure in anticipation of continued residential and commercial development and enable RIE to retire equipment that is more than 30 years old. The substation expansion is expected to be completed within seven to eight months with investment from Rhode Island Energy totaling about $5.6 million.

Petteys Avenue pipeline upgrade

Rhode Island Energy will begin a $9 million infrastructure project on Petteys Avenue in Providence this month aimed at modernizing two natural gas main pipes along the street.

Although the work is expected to impact local traffic during construction, it marks a critical step in enhancing the area's energy reliability and safety. Upon completion, the roadway will be fully repaved, improving overall road conditions for residents and commuters.

Lonsdale Avenue electric distribution lines replacement

RIE crews in Lincoln are replacing electric distribution lines along Smithfield and Higgins Avenues. This work is part of a larger $11 million project and is being performed in preparation for the planned decommissioning of four aging substations starting in 2028.

New poles are being installed in coordination with Verizon that will help enable more resilient electric service. Construction in Lincoln is expected to be completed between 2028 and 2029, with work on the distribution line progressing south into Pawtucket through 2028 and 2030.

Wickford Junction electrical construction project

Rhode Island Energy is also preparing to break ground in Wickford Junction, located in North Kingstown, on a major $16.6 million electric system initiative that includes the construction of a new distribution line, and distribution substation.

This project is designed to address the increasing load expected in the region while also supporting more distributed generation. The new infrastructure will help to avoid thermal stress on local feeders, transformers, and supply lines, improving dependability for customers.

“Our projects are customer-focused with the goal of reducing impacts and delivering lasting value. We encourage our neighbors to reach out to us with any questions about this important work,” Cornett added.

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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 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.