State audit: RI Energy overcharged state agencies by $2 million

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An audit report says Rhode Island Energy overcharged state agencies by $2 million.

According to an initial report from the Rhode Island Office for Energy Resources.

That is more than $1 million than initially thought.

The latest report was released this month by the Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity.

We first told you about the audit back in July.

According to the state public utilities commission, billing issues coincided with RI Energy’s billing system transition last year.

That’s when RI Energy was acquired by PPL Rhode Island Holdings, LLC from the National Grid in 2022.

The audit released this month also says billing issues were also caused by RI Energy not applying the appropriate net metering credits.

Net metering is a bill arrangement for customers who use renewable energy.

Credits are given to when the systems generate more electricity than consumed during a billing period.

The audit report and RI Energy note all billing issues have been resolved.

RI Energy says the audit report only dealt with state accounts which totals more than 2,000 bills between state departments.

A spokesperson says RI Energy did not overcharge, but it was a timing issue of when bills were sent out.

In a statement, an RI Energy spokesperson says quote,

We have addressed these issues, implemented corrective actions, and continue to strengthen our billing systems and processes. We remain committed to accuracy, accountability, and working closely with state partners to ensure reliable service.

RI Energy is conducting an independent audit which will be done by Guidehouse, Inc.

It’s due by November 14.