News Summary
Rhode Island Energy has initiated a multi-year project to upgrade its electric system in Portsmouth, targeting five neighborhoods. The improvements aim to enhance safety and reliability for nearly 1,800 customers, responding to increased electrical load due to the conversion of beach homes into full-time residences. The project includes installing larger utility poles, wires, and transformers, with a planned investment over three to five years. Additionally, electricity prices will change, resulting in increased bills for customers starting October 1, alongside a $27 million refund from prior overbilling.
Rhode Island is set to undergo significant infrastructure improvements as Rhode Island Energy has initiated a multi-year project aimed at upgrading its electric system in Portsmouth. This transformation will focus on enhancing safety, reliability, and overall system performance for nearly 1,800 local customers.
The infrastructure improvements will be implemented across five neighborhoods in Portsmouth: The Hummocks, Island Park, Common Fence Point, The Point Section, and Portsmouth Village. Over the next three to five years, Rhode Island Energy plans to upgrade approximately 3.5 miles of electric equipment in these areas, responding to the notable growth in electrical load that has occurred over the last two to three decades.
The increase in demand has largely been attributed to the conversion of beach homes and cottages into full-time residences, necessitating enhancements to the existing electrical infrastructure. The upgrades will include the installation of larger utility poles, along with new wires and transformers. These changes are designed to accommodate the increased load demand, improve voltage quality, and strengthen the electrical system to ensure a consistent energy supply for the community.
In his statement, Greg Cornett, the president of Rhode Island Energy, articulated the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the Portsmouth community and to maintaining uninterrupted energy flow. This infrastructure upgrade signifies an important step in adapting to the changing landscape of energy consumption in the region.
Rhode Island Energy serves over 770,000 customers throughout the state, providing electricity and natural gas delivery as a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). In light of recent changes, the Portsmouth Community Electricity program has announced new electricity supply prices for the summer, which will start with the first May meter read and will remain fixed for six months. Participants will benefit from renewable energy sourced from local Rhode Island projects, thanks to the municipality’s cooperative aggregation program that involves seven towns. This initiative allows communities to leverage collective buying power to lower electricity rates for participants.
Moreover, the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board is scheduled to conduct public hearings concerning a potential moratorium on new natural gas connections on Aquidneck Island. This proposed moratorium is linked to the liquefied natural gas vaporization facility located at 135 Old Mill Lane in Portsmouth, with public hearings set for August 20 and August 27. These hearings aim to gather community input on the proposed changes regarding natural gas access in the area.
In addition to the infrastructure upgrades and changing electricity prices, Rhode Island Energy customers will see a 23% increase in their electricity bills starting October 1. This rise, approved by utility regulators, is attributed to seasonal rate hikes, leading to an average increase of $31 in residential bills. However, a $27 million refund will be provided to customers due to earlier overbilling issues, translating into a one-time credit of $68.60 for most residential customers in December. Low-income customers will receive approximately $140, distributed through monthly installments to assist with the increase in energy costs.
The ongoing dialogue about energy costs continues, as the potential for higher rates for natural gas is set to be evaluated in November. Rhode Island Energy customers, along with other stakeholders, are encouraged to stay abreast of developments in both electricity and natural gas pricing, as well as any further changes resulting from the infrastructure upgrades in progress.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- What’s Up Newp: Rhode Island Energy Upgrading Electrical Infrastructure in 5 Portsmouth Neighborhoods
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- Patch: See Portsmouth’s Summer Electric Rates Compared to RI Energy
- Google Search: Rhode Island energy infrastructure upgrades
- Rhode Island Current: R.I. Energy’s Seasonal Electric Rate Hikes Will Be Partially Offset by $27M Refund
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island energy programs
- Patch: RI Energy Introducing Advanced Meters in Portsmouth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Infrastructure
- Providence Journal: LNG Facility in Portsmouth Will Stay for at Least 5 Years After Approval
- Google News: Energy rates Rhode Island
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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.
