Governor McKee, Senate Majority Leader Ciccone, Senate Majority Whip Tikoian Urge Passage of $1B Energy Relief Plan and Transparency and Affordability Legislation

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, and Senate Majority Whip David Tikoian today released the following statement on addressing rising utility costs this legislative session. Together, they urged passage of, the Governor’s $1 billion Affordability for All energy relief plan, Majority Leader Ciccone’s increased transparency in charges on utility bill legislation (S-2074 and S-3125), as well as Senate Majority Whip Tikoian’s proposal that would expand the Renewable Energy Standard to include nuclear and large-scale hydroelectric power as lower-cost, zero-emission resources (S-2764).

“Across Rhode Island, the message is clear: energy costs are too high. Families are feeling the squeeze from rising delivery charges each month, and businesses of all sizes report that high energy costs put them at a competitive disadvantage. Rhode Island now has the fourth-highest residential electric rates in the country, making it critical to focus on the areas within state control. Approximately 24 percent of utility bills come from state programs and taxes — a portion that has grown nearly 36 percent since 2020. Addressing these costs is a shared priority.

“To deliver relief, we support targeted reforms to lower utility bills over the next five years, including aligning our clean energy programs with neighboring states, reforming utility paving practices, and eliminating bonus payments to utility shareholders. We also support measures that increase transparency for ratepayers, which would help Rhode Islanders better understand the costs embedded in their monthly electric and gas bills.

“Recent federal actions have slowed clean energy development and increased compliance costs, making affordability even more urgent. Stable and affordable electricity rates are essential to maintaining public support for long-term emissions reductions. By continuing but reforming these programs and aligning them with the region, we can create a more affordable path to decarbonization.

“Rhode Islanders cannot afford to wait. We must act this legislative session to deliver meaningful relief and lower utility costs for families and businesses across the state.”