Rhode Island utilities officials to meet over energy rate changes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission will meet Monday to discuss looming changes to Rhode Island Energy’s utility rates.

These proposed changes would take effect on April 1, affecting customers in all rate classes.

The commission will discuss a proposal to decrease RI Energy’s supply price by about $30 a month for customers.

This will be accompanied by an average delivery charge increase of $4.

Some low-income households could see a 25 to 30 percent discount and the average residential heating customer would see an increase of 4.4 percent on their annual bill.

Rhode Island Energy said it only controls about 1/3 of customer bills and that the rest comes from outside energy suppliers, which is why rates fluctuate.

“We only control about an average of 1/3 of the customer bill, the other 2/3 is other supply outside of our control,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy.