City Council Supports Percentage Income Payment Plans for Struggling Gas and Electric Customers

Providence, RI – At tonight’s City Council meeting, councilors urged state lawmakers to pass a Rhode Island percentage income payment plan (PIPP) for electric and natural gas utility customers who may be struggling to pay their bills. The resolution points to rate hikes in electricity and natural gas for many Rhode Islanders still recovering from losses and deep debts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PIPPs:

• allow consumers living near or under the Federal Poverty line to pay a percentage of their income (in the 3-6% range) for gas and electricity

• are working to positive effect in 12 states nationwide, where elderly customers’ heating bills were lowered by 90% on the program

• over 20,000 RI households have their electricity or gas shut off for non-payment annually

“A PIPP is about making sure that people have what they need to take care of their families during the costly winter season,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “These plans are beneficial investments for residents throughout Providence and across our state.”

“I urge our state legislators to listen to this appeal from our city council at a time when utility costs have risen has high as 47%. Many of our residents simply cannot afford to pay their utility bills,” added Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10).

Appointments

The following appointments were made by City Clerk Tina Mastrioanni:

Caleb T. Horton was appointed City Archivist for a four year term

Sheri A. Petronio was appointed First Deputy City Clerk

Angela J. Harris was appointed First Deputy City Clerk

Donna M. Peligian was appointed First Deputy City Clerk

Claire E. Girard was appointed Clerk Liaison of the Department of City Clerk by City Clerk Mastroianni.