Reports predict Rhode Islanders will spend less on energy this winter

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Frost is right around the corner for Rhode Islanders, meaning it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll be heating your home this season and what it’s going to mean for your wallet.

Rhode Islanders have likely noticed their bills starting to rise, especially following a nearly 25% rate increase for electricity beginning in October, but that jump is actually lower than it was a year ago.

For the nearly half of Rhode Islanders that use natural gas to heat their homes, there’s a chance you’ll actually see that bill down from where it was last year.

“So your winter rates are from, with Rhode Island energy, from Oct. 1 through March 31, and then, from April 1 through Sept. 30 is your spring and summer rates.

Overall, consumers are seeing a small decrease when you compare winter rates from last year to winter rates for this year,” says Acting Energy Commissioner with Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Chris Kearns.

Rhode Island Energy proposed a three percent drop in natural gas prices for this season, which would save Rhode Islanders about $60 per year.

That proposition is currently being reviewed by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission and if approved, it would take effect on Nov. 1.

In the meantime, officials said there are a lot of things you can do at home keep your bills low.

“Really go out throughout your household and just look at, do I have a number of household appliances that are plugged in right now that I’m not really using six-to-eight months out of the year except for specific times,” Kearns explained.

“The next thing is getting a free home energy assessment. You can schedule a free home energy assessment through the state’s energy efficiency programs,” Kearns continued.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration, which tracks average prices for electricity across the nation, predicts New England households will spend less on energy this winter compared to last winter.

Their October forecast says it could be nearly 20% less per month on natural gas but a four percent increase for electricity.

The next report from the U.S. Information Administration is expected in two weeks.