Rhode Island Electricity Rates
Rhode Island was one of the very first states to deregulate its electricity market. The state passed the Utility Restructuring Act in 1996, and full retail choice has been available since 1997. Rates average 31.3¢/kWh. That’s 73% above the national average, giving Ocean State residents strong incentive to compare competitive suppliers.
Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid) handles delivery statewide while licensed suppliers compete for your generation business. The state is also home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm, Block Island Wind Farm.
Key Takeaways
Rhode Island Avg Rate
U.S. National Average
How Rhode Island Electricity Deregulation Works
Rhode Island passed the Utility Restructuring Act in 1996, making it one of the first states to deregulate. The state’s electric utility was required to divest its generation assets and focus on delivery only.
Since 1997, all residential and commercial customers can choose their electricity supplier. Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid, now owned by PPL Corporation) handles delivery, billing, and outage restoration.
You’re in RI Energy Territory
Nearly all Rhode Island residents are served by Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid). The utility handles delivery regardless of your supplier choice.
Compare Suppliers
Browse licensed competitive suppliers and compare supply rates, contract terms, and renewable energy options. The RI PUC and ElectricChoice.com provide comparison tools.
Select & Enroll
Choose a plan and sign up with your supplier. They handle enrollment with Rhode Island Energy.
Start Saving
The switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles. Rhode Island Energy continues to deliver your power. Only the supply portion of your bill changes.
Why RI Rates Are Among the Highest in the Nation
Rhode Island’s high rates are driven by several factors:
- Over 90% dependence on natural gas for in-state electricity generation
- Constrained New England pipeline capacity causing winter price spikes
- The state’s small size limiting economies of scale
- Aging transmission infrastructure
- High renewable energy mandate costs
These factors make supplier shopping especially valuable. Even a modest percentage savings on a high rate leads to significant dollar savings.
Rhode Island Energy Profile
Rhode Island is the most natural-gas-dependent state in the nation for electricity generation, with over 93% of in-state production from gas-fired plants. This extreme concentration makes RI electricity prices highly sensitive to natural gas market conditions.
The state is working to diversify through offshore wind. The Block Island Wind Farm, America’s first offshore wind project, has been operational since 2016. Larger projects like Revolution Wind (704 MW) are in development. Rhode Island has set a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2033.
Best Time to Shop for RI Electricity
Spring: Mar–May
Heating demand drops and ISO-NE wholesale prices decline. Suppliers compete aggressively with their lowest rates. The best window to lock in a fixed rate for the year ahead.
Winter: Dec–Feb
Rhode Island’s extreme gas dependence makes winter the most expensive season. Pipeline constraints can cause wholesale prices to spike 200%+. Variable-rate customers face the highest risk.
Fall: Sep–Nov
Summer cooling demand fades and wholesale prices retreat. Lock in a fixed rate before winter to protect against seasonal price volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Electricity
Is Rhode Island a deregulated electricity state?
Yes. Rhode Island deregulated its electricity market in 1996 under the Utility Restructuring Act. Full retail choice has been available since 1997. Nearly all RI customers are served by Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid) and can choose their electricity supplier.
What is the average electricity rate in Rhode Island?
The average residential rate is 31.3¢/kWh. That’s 73% above the national average of 18.05¢/kWh. Rhode Island has among the highest electricity rates in the continental United States, making supplier shopping especially valuable.
What is Last Resort Service in Rhode Island?
Last Resort Service (LRS) is the default generation supply for customers who haven’t chosen a competitive supplier. Rhode Island Energy procures LRS through competitive auctions.
Residential LRS rates change every six months (January and July). Compare the LRS rate against competitive supplier offers to see which saves you more.
What about Block Island Wind Farm?
The Block Island Wind Farm, operational since 2016, was the first offshore wind farm in the United States. Located off the coast of Block Island, it consists of five 6-MW turbines (30 MW total).
While modest in scale, it proved the viability of U.S. offshore wind. It paved the way for much larger projects like Revolution Wind (704 MW) and South Fork Wind that will significantly impact RI’s energy mix.
Who do I call for power outages in Rhode Island?
For power outages, contact Rhode Island Energy at 855-743-1102. Block Island residents should contact Block Island Power Company. Your utility handles all outage restoration regardless of your supplier.