Rhode Island Energy to implement “Hold Harmless” bill credits – providing additional relief to customers
Energy company’s voluntary decision will accelerate $170 Million in credits to Rhode Island customers
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (August 25, 2026) – Rhode Island Energy (RIE) today announced it will move forward in implementing bill credits with a net present value of almost $170 million, authorized by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC). These credits stem from a 2022 commitment to protect Rhode Island customers from certain tax-related impacts associated with PPL’s acquisition of RIE. RIE originally proposed an expedited approach to providing those credits last year and renewed that proposal this year.
“At the end of the day, this is about our customers. We believe delivering this additional relief is the right thing to do, particularly at a time when affordability remains a concern for so many Rhode Island families and businesses,” said Greg Cornett, President of Rhode Island Energy. “The expedited approach we proposed was voluntary; advancing these credits has always been our priority. We hear a lot about how utilities need to share in helping their customers. By moving forward with these credits, we and PPL are doing just that – in a very substantial way.”
Under the voluntary proposal as approved, all RIE electric customers will see 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.
RIE will work with the PUC to implement the credits in accordance with the Commission’s decision.
These credits are just one way the company is working to help provide bill relief for customers. Beginning this winter, RIE’s enhanced Low Income Discount Rate program will be available to 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 is 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.
For more information on these programs and for additional bill help resources, please visit rienergy.com/toolkit.
