News Summary
Rhode Island residents and businesses in seven municipalities will enjoy slightly reduced electricity prices this winter, with the standard rate set at 14.69 cents per kilowatt-hour. This rate, lower than Rhode Island Energy’s rate, translates to approximately 40 cents in savings for an average residential customer using 500 kilowatt hours monthly. The community choice aggregation plans aim to enhance renewable energy use and offer lower prices through bulk buying power with NextEra Energy Services. These rates will be in effect from November 1 to May 1, providing substantial savings to customers.
Rhode Island residents and businesses in seven municipalities with independent electricity programs will benefit from slightly lower prices this winter, compared to the rates charged by Rhode Island Energy. The announced “standard” usage rate for participating municipal customers is 14.69 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is 0.5% lower than Rhode Island Energy’s 14.77 cents base usage rate that has been in effect since October 1. As a result, an average residential customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity per month will see savings of approximately 40 cents this winter.
About 25% of the 780,000 Rhode Island Energy customers have opted out of the company’s default electric prices. Since May 2023, community choice aggregation plans have been implemented in Barrington, Central Falls, Narragansett, Newport, Portsmouth, Providence, and South Kingstown. These municipal aggregation programs utilize bulk buying power through a third-party supplier, NextEra Energy Services, to lower electricity prices and promote increased renewable energy usage.
The “standard” plan for municipal customers not only provides lower rates but also includes 5% more renewable energy than what is required by state law. Customers looking for a more environmentally friendly option can choose a higher-priced community electricity plan, which offers up to 100% renewable sources at a rate of 17.65 cents per kilowatt-hour this winter.
The community aggregation seasonal rates will be effective from November 1 until May 1. Additionally, Rhode Island Energy executives and Governor Dan McKee have proposed bill credits, which may provide customers with discounts ranging from $20 to $30 on monthly electric bills and $30 to $40 on gas bills during the first three months of 2026 and 2027. The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission is currently reviewing these proposed bill credits with an anticipated start date of January 1.
For customers enrolled in the community aggregation plans, no action is required to maintain their service during the winter months. Interested residents can find enrollment information for the community aggregation plans through their respective municipalities.
In Providence, the default winter supply rate for the Providence Community Electricity Program will be set at 14.69 cents per kilowatt-hour, marking a 10% decrease from the previous year. This new default rate will also remain below Rhode Island Energy’s Last Resort Service rate of 14.77 cents per kilowatt-hour throughout the winter period.
Overall, the introduction of these municipal electricity programs and the proposed bill credits are set to provide substantial savings to Rhode Island residents and businesses as they navigate the upcoming winter months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current: Savings on Municipal Electric Plan
- PBN: Providence Community Electricity Program Rate Drop
- Providence Journal: RI Energy’s Energy Efficiency Programs
- Canary Media: Funding Cuts Impact on RI Residents
- Wikipedia: Electricity Price
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF 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.
