Four Easy Ways to Get Ahead of Energy Bills
This Summer
When summer temperatures climb, most Rhode Islanders focus on staying cool, but the savviest homeowners are already planning ahead for winter. The actions you take during the warmer months can dramatically reduce your energy costs when heating season arrives. With Rhode Island Energy’s comprehensive suite of programs and services, preparing your home for maximum efficiency has never been easier or more affordable.
Rhode Island Energy serves over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island, delivering both electricity and natural gas through a network maintained by a team of dedicated employees. Beyond simply providing energy, the company is actively investing in infrastructure improvements that benefit every customer. This commitment to reliability extends to proactive maintenance programs like their vegetation management initiative, which reduces fire hazards and prevents weather-related outages that can leave families without power during critical heating and cooling periods.
With everything they do, Rhode Island Energy keeps customer satisfaction and savings top of mind. Keep reading for actions you and your family can take during the summer months to maximize savings both now and once the temperature drops.
Start with a No-Cost Assessment
The best place to begin is by understanding how your home currently uses energy. Rhode Island Energy’s no-cost Home Energy Assessment program provides exactly this insight. During an in-person visit, an Energy Specialist will evaluate your home’s current energy performance and create a customized improvement plan. The assessment itself includes immediate benefits such as low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, advanced powerstrips, and programmable thermostats installed at no cost.
For customers ready to make larger improvements, the program offers substantial support. Insulation services receive 50 to 100% cost coverage up to $10,000, while high-efficiency equipment upgrades can earn significant rebates. Air sealing of leaks is 100% no cost. Zero percent interest loans may help bridge any remaining costs for recommended improvements.
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sponsored by: Rhode Island Energy
Comprehensive Efficiency Programs
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By Ryann Swift on August 1, 2025
Advanced Meters: Knowledge is Power
Technology plays a crucial role in energy management, and Rhode Island Energy’s advanced meter rollout puts consumption data directly in your hands. These two-way communication devices provide timely, detailed usage information, enabling homeowners to identify patterns and adjust behaviors before bills arrive.
The meters offer practical benefits beyond data collection. Outage detection happens automatically, reducing restoration times. Remote service connections eliminate scheduling headaches for move-ins and move-outs. Most importantly, the accompanying online portal will connect you with your energy usage and provide you access to detailed energy data, helping you understand your consumption patterns at home or in your business. This upgrade is progressing systematically across the state, with customers receiving advance notification and appointment scheduling for indoor meters.
Comprehensive Efficiency Programs
Rhode Island Energy’s efficiency programs extend far beyond weatherization. Water heating upgrades, window improvements, and HVAC system enhancements all contribute to year-round savings. These programs recognize that every home is different, whether it’s a historic property or a new construction.
For income-eligible customers, enhanced support ensures that financial constraints aren’t a barrier to access. Additionally, multi-family property owners can access specialized incentives and assessments tailored to rental properties, helping both landlords and tenants benefit from efficiency improvements.
Financial Support When You Need It
Recognizing that energy costs can stretch household budgets, Rhode Island Energy provides multiple bill assistance options. Payment extensions offer breathing room without additional fees, while longer-term payment plans can spread costs over 3 to 12 months.
Rhode Island Energy’s Budget Billing program helps customers avoid seasonal spikes by averaging energy costs over 12 months, making monthly bills more predictable. The payment amount is reviewed periodically and adjusted if needed to reflect changes in usage or rates.
Don’t wait for the first cold snap to think about winter heating costs. Visit RIEnergy.com today to explore the full range of efficiency programs available. Your future self - and those winter energy bills - will thank you.
These programs are funded by the energy efficiency charge on all customers’ gas and electric bills, in accordance with Rhode Island law.
Advanced Meters: Knowledge is Power
Financial Support When You Need It