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RI Energy Aims to Hike Electricity Rates 43 Percent

RI Energy has proposed raising home electricity rates 43 percent.
RI Energy has proposed raising home electricity rates 43 percent.
RI Energy has proposed raising home electricity rates 43 percent.

PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island Energy, formerly National Grid, has proposed raising RI residential electricity rates by 43.9 percent Oct. 1.

Commercial rates are going up 44 percent. If you haven’t paid close attention to the electricity rate you pay before, now may be a good time to do that math, because homeowners and businesses will be paying about 10 cents more per kilowatt hour (kWh).

According to the U.S. Energy Information, average U.S. energy use per household is 893 kWh per month. That would make the average Rhode Islander’s monthly bill about $69.74 in September. On Oct. 1, that bill will jump to $158.82.

The rate hikes remain under review by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

Meanwhile, Gov. Dan McKee has filed a letter with the Commission asking for measures to blunt the hikes for Rhode Islanders. His requests were:

  • Suspend the customer charge on residential electric bills until next summer when electricity prices are projected to decline significantly.
  • Distribute the $32.5 million in Rhode Island Energy electric ratepayer bill credits from the State’s settlement with PPL Corporation back to ratepayers over a six-month period that coincides with this coming winter when electric rates will be elevated.
  • Moderate the impact on ratepayers by spreading the higher rates over a twelve-month period.
“In combination, these suggestions would help to further mitigate the spike in winter electric rates to a level that is more closely tied to last winter’s rates, thereby increasing rate stability and affordability,” McKee’s office said in a statement.
McKee said he is exploring “Additional strategies that can assist in reducing the burden on residents and small business owners, with particular focus on Rhode Island‘s most vulnerable populations.”
Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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