Rhode Island Energy: Winter electric bills could be up this year

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Energy said that this winter electric bills could be more expensive than they were last year.

Usually electric bill prices drop during the winter, but this year the rising cost of natural gas is raising electricity supply costs.

The company said that some customers could see their bill increase by as much as $52 this winter.

“Now that we know the full impacts, we all need to lookout for one another, help each other save on our energy consumption, and educate more people about the programs that can help assist their neighbors,” said President of RI Energy Dave Bonenberger.

Bonenberger suggested customers do the following: shop for electricity and look for possible special rates, lowering the amount of electricity used (turning off lights, unplugging electronics etc…), and join programs that provide financial assistance.