Rhode Island Energy Encourages Customers to Prepare for Winter and Take Advantage of Bill Assistance and Energy-Saving Programs
For many Rhode Island families and businesses, rising energy costs and affordability remain a real concern. As colder weather approaches and energy use increases, Rhode Island Energy (RIE) encourages customers to plan ahead and take advantage of programs designed to help manage bills, improve efficiency, and access financial assistance.
Increased winter energy use can lead to higher bills, so RIE is encouraging customers to take action ahead of the winter heating season and explore available bill assistance and energy-saving programs today.
Manage Your Energy Bills
When temperatures drop, homes and businesses use more electricity and natural gas to stay comfortable. Extended cold weather can drive up energy use and increase monthly bills.
To help customers manage rising winter energy costs, RIE will implement bill credits for all RIE customers with a net present value of almost $170 million. Under the approved voluntary proposal, all RIE electric customers will receive a fixed credit of approximately $14 each month beginning in October 2026 through September 2027. All RIE natural gas customers will see a fixed credit of approximately $51 beginning in December 2026 through April 2027.
These credits are just one way RIE is working to help provide bill relief for customers. Beginning this winter, RIE’s enhanced Low Income Discount Rate program will provide greater assistance to customers with the greatest financial need while expanding support to more eligible households. Under the new income-based structure, households with lower incomes will generally receive larger discounts on their electric bills, helping make energy more affordable for those who need it most. The program is designed to ensure assistance is directed where it can have the greatest impact while extending support to more Rhode Island households.
In addition, RIE remains the largest single donor to the United Way’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund and has launched a new employee-funded assistance program, Operation Help, to provide direct bill assistance to the most vulnerable customers.
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sponsored by: Rhode Island Energy
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By Sydni Silverstone on September 8, 2026
Explore Financial Assistance Programs
On top of bill credits and enhanced customer programs, RIE offers a variety of options for customers looking to manage their energy bills this winter. Customers can:
Helping Customers Stay Warm, Safe, and Connected
RIE is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric and natural gas service, while helping customers manage their energy costs.
Customers are encouraged to take advantage of available billing help, assistance programs, and energy-efficiency resources now, before colder temperatures and higher energy use arrive.
For more information on these programs and for additional bill help resources, please visit rienergy.com/toolkit.
Sign up for assistance programs like Budget Billing and spread payments evenly across 12 months. For more information on these programs and additional bill-help resources, customers are encouraged to visit rienergy.com/toolkit.
Explore the benefits of energy efficiency through rebate programs or a no-cost Home Energy Assessment. During the assessment, an energy specialist evaluates the home's energy use and recommends personalized improvements to reduce energy consumption and increase comfort.
Customers may also qualify for rebates on energy-saving upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, and water-heating systems. In some cases, 0% financing may be available to help cover upgrade costs.
Attend one of RIE's Customer Assistance Expos to learn more about available programs, where RIE Customer Advocates help connect residents with assistance options that fit their needs.
Take advantage of direct support offered through the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, Discount Rates program, and LIHEAP. Customers experiencing financial hardship may qualify for programs that can help lower bills and provide additional support during the winter months.
Eligible customers may qualify for discounted electric rates through RIE's Discount Rate Program. Operation Help also provides additional assistance to customers experiencing financial hardship.
Customers may also apply for LIHEAP, a federally funded program administered by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. Applications are accepted through local Community Action Program agencies each year from September through May.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to customers facing a temporary financial crisis who may not qualify for LIHEAP.
In addition, customers are encouraged to compare available electric supply options and make informed decisions about the supplier and pricing plan that best meets their needs.