Electricity Rates in Rhode Island (2026)
National average: 16.72¢/kWh · Source: EIA, January 2026
Rhode Island Pays a Premium as the Smallest New England State
At 27.12 cents/kWh, Rhode Island has some of the highest rates in the nation. The state's small size means it has virtually no in-state generation and imports nearly all electricity from the New England grid. Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid) is the sole distribution utility, and there is no competition at the distribution level.
Offshore Wind Promises Long-Term Relief
Rhode Island was an early adopter of offshore wind with the Block Island Wind Farm (the first in the U.S.). The state continues to invest in offshore wind capacity, which could eventually reduce dependence on expensive gas-fired generation. However, the transition is gradual and near-term rate relief from offshore wind is limited.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in Rhode Island
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in Rhode Island
Monthly costs at 27.12¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $219.67 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $650.88 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $234.32 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $195.26 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $40.68 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $109.84 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $130.18 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $227.81 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $20.34 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $14.64 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $2.2 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $7.32 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $97.63 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $97.63 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $73.22 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Energy offers efficiency programs through Rhode Island Energy Efficiency. Free home energy assessments identify the most impactful improvements for your specific home.
- At 27+ cents/kWh, solar panels have a payback period of 6-8 years in Rhode Island, making them an excellent investment for homeowners.
- Heat pumps are heavily incentivized in Rhode Island. The state offers rebates of $1,500-$10,000 depending on system size and type.
- Rhode Island allows retail electricity choice. Shop competitive suppliers at ridivisionofpublicutilities.ri.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Electricity
Rhode Island has no significant in-state electricity generation and imports nearly all power from the New England grid, which has structurally high costs. The state's small size limits economies of scale for both generation and distribution infrastructure. New England's constrained gas pipeline capacity drives high wholesale prices that flow directly to Rhode Island consumers.
The average Rhode Island household pays about $160-$200 per month. The high rate is partially offset by Rhode Island's relatively small home sizes and moderate climate (no extreme heat). Winter heating is usually a separate oil or gas expense.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how Rhode Island compares to other states in the New England region:
Connecticut
29.35¢/kWh
Maine
22.87¢/kWh
Massachusetts
28.76¢/kWh
New Hampshire
25.34¢/kWh
Vermont
21.34¢/kWh
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated January 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.