Residential Rate Report

Rhode Island Residential Electricity Rates

Rhode Island operates under a retail electric choice framework where Rhode Island Energy (a PPL Corporation subsidiary) manages electric distribution while consumers can select competitive suppliers or receive Last Resort Service. Rates reflect ISO New England capacity costs and coastal climate cooling demand.

Residential Electricity Rate
28.30 ¢/kWh
Verified database rate for April 2026
U.S. National Comparison
50.3% above the U.S. national average
National Average: 18.83 ¢/kWh
Market Framework
Retail supplier choice with regulated distribution
Traditional regulated utility service territories.

Estimated Monthly Household Energy Charges

Estimated monthly energy charges for standard home electricity usage baselines in Rhode Island calculated at 28.30 ¢/kWh:

Rhode Island residential monthly electricity cost estimates by consumption level
Monthly Usage (kWh)Household Profile BaselineEstimated Energy Charge ($/mo)
500 kWh500 kWh / month (Apartment / Small Home)$141.50 / mo
800 kWh800 kWh / month (Medium Home / Efficient Usage)$226.40 / mo
1,000 kWh1,000 kWh / month (Standard U.S. Household Baseline)$283.00 / mo
1,500 kWh1,500 kWh / month (Large Home / All-Electric / High AC)$424.50 / mo

* Estimated energy charge only. Excludes utility fixed monthly customer fees, local distribution charges, time-of-use peak demand rates, fuel surcharges, and state taxes.

24-Month Historical Rate Trend (Rhode Island)

Official U.S. EIA residential electricity price history for Rhode Island over recent reporting periods:

Rhode Island monthly residential electricity rate history (cents per kWh)
Reporting MonthAverage Rate (¢/kWh)Month-over-Month Change
April 202628.30 ¢/kWh -1.61 ¢
March 202629.91 ¢/kWh +0.46 ¢
February 202629.45 ¢/kWh -0.69 ¢
January 202630.14 ¢/kWh -1.01 ¢
December 202531.15 ¢/kWh +0.33 ¢
November 202530.82 ¢/kWh -0.34 ¢
October 202531.16 ¢/kWh +2.86 ¢
September 202528.30 ¢/kWh +1.78 ¢
August 202526.52 ¢/kWh +0.34 ¢
July 202526.18 ¢/kWh -0.66 ¢
June 202526.84 ¢/kWh -2.16 ¢
May 202529.00 ¢/kWh +0.11 ¢
April 202528.89 ¢/kWh -3.41 ¢
March 202532.30 ¢/kWh -0.99 ¢
February 202533.29 ¢/kWh +1.63 ¢
January 202531.66 ¢/kWh +6.26 ¢
December 202425.40 ¢/kWh -10.21 ¢
November 202435.61 ¢/kWh +7.85 ¢
October 202427.76 ¢/kWh -0.95 ¢
September 202428.71 ¢/kWh +1.88 ¢
August 202426.83 ¢/kWh +1.07 ¢
July 202425.76 ¢/kWh -1.51 ¢
June 202427.27 ¢/kWh -1.02 ¢
May 202428.29 ¢/kWh +0.14 ¢

Key Electricity Cost Drivers in Rhode Island

Primary market structure, generation mix, and environmental factors shaping electricity costs across Rhode Island:

1. Rhode Island Energy Distribution Tariff

The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission regulates delivery rates, grid modernization programs, and Last Resort Service procurement.

2. ISO New England Fuel Mix Impact

High regional reliance on natural gas combined-cycle power generation links retail supply tariffs directly to wholesale gas spot pricing.

3. Offshore Wind & Renewable Mandates

Pioneering offshore wind projects (Block Island Wind Farm) and state clean energy targets expand regional zero-emission power delivery.

Why Your Individual Electric Bill May Differ

Statewide average rates compiled by the U.S. EIA reflect overall residential revenue divided by total sales. Your actual monthly electricity bill in Rhode Island will vary based on:

  • Fixed Monthly Customer Charges: Basic meter account service fees assessed regardless of kWh consumption.
  • Delivery & Distribution Tariffs: Regulated transmission charges set by state utility commissions.
  • Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing: Higher peak-period demand rates during hot afternoon or winter evening hours.
  • Local Taxes & Clean Energy Riders: Municipal taxes and clean energy fund surcharges.

Calculate Your Exact Rhode Island Home Electricity Bill

Statewide average rates provide a baseline, but your actual electric bill depends on your utility tariff structure, seasonal AC usage, and household appliances. Use Energy Bill Lab tools to analyze your bill or calculate appliance operating costs.

Official Data Sources & Editorial Citations