News Summary
Rhode Island Energy is hosting an assistance expo at the Weaver Memorial Library to help customers manage rising electricity costs. From 2 to 6 p.m., attendees can meet with customer advocates who will discuss payment options. With electric rates set to rise in October, this expo aims to provide crucial support. Community organizations will also be present to offer additional resources. An upcoming event is scheduled for October 29 for those unable to attend today.
East Providence – Rhode Island Energy is hosting an assistance expo aimed at helping customers manage rising electricity costs today from 2 to 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Weaver Memorial East Providence Public Library, located at 41 Grove Avenue.
Customers attending the expo will have the opportunity to meet directly with Rhode Island Energy “customer advocates” who can provide assistance regarding payment options and payment plans. This initiative comes as part of the company’s response to increasing concerns over high energy rates faced by residents, particularly following a winter season characterized by rising costs.
From October 1, electric rates are set to increase again, which reflects the typical seasonal rise in wholesale electric prices. The residential last resort service rate is scheduled to rise to 14.8 cents per kilowatt hour. Although this figure is lower than rates experienced in recent winters, it is still higher compared to long-term trends, signaling ongoing financial challenges for many households.
In response to these challenges, Rhode Island Energy is working in collaboration with utility regulators to develop proposals that may help mitigate winter bills for customers. Such proposals include the possibility of accelerating bill credits and delaying certain bill surcharges. The company’s efforts aim to ensure that customers have the necessary tools and information to effectively manage their energy bills.
Support from Community Organizations
In addition to Rhode Island Energy representatives, several organizations will participate in the expo to provide further assistance. Representatives from Community Action Programs, the United Way, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and the Rhode Island Food Bank will be present to offer support and information related to various assistance programs available to residents.
Upcoming Events and Ongoing Support
For those unable to attend today’s expo, another customer assistance event is scheduled for October 29 at the Davinci Center located at 470 Charles St. in Providence. Additionally, smaller outreach events related to assistance initiatives are being organized across the state, ensuring that residents have access to support as the winter months approach.
Residents seeking more information regarding customer assistance programs can visit the Rhode Island Energy website under the “Ways to Save” section for comprehensive details and resources.
Background on Energy Costs
The rising electrical rates have raised valid concerns among the population, particularly with increasing energy costs affecting the affordability of essential services. Last winter’s criticism highlighted the urgency for customers to find manageable solutions to confront budget constraints brought on by electric rates. In recognizing these challenges, Rhode Island Energy has been proactive in developing assistance avenues to alleviate the financial burden faced by households.
As winter approaches, many families are on the lookout for strategies to lessen their energy expenses. Rhode Island Energy’s expo and collaboration with various support organizations are significant steps toward providing relief and ensuring residents can navigate their financial responsibilities more effectively.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC 6 News
- Providence Journal
- WPRI News
- GoLocalProv
- Daily Energy Insider
- Wikipedia: Electricity Market in the United States
- Google Search: Rhode Island Energy assistance programs
- Google Scholar: Energy Costs Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity
- Google News: Rhode Island Energy expo
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
