The Shocking Truth Behind Rhode Island’s Energy Rates You Won’t Believe

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:58:38 +0000

# The Shocking Truth Behind Rhode Island’s Energy Rates You Won’t Believe When it comes to energy costs, Rhode Island often sits at the top of states with some of the highest electricity rates in the U.S. But behind the headlines lies a complex web of policy decisions, energy sources, and regulatory frameworks that shape what residents and businesses pay each month. What’s truly shocking about Rhode Island’s energy rates isn’t just how high they are—but why they’re so different from neighboring states, and what’s really driving those numbers. ## Why Rhode Island’s Energy Rates Are Among the Highest in the Nation Rhode Island’s residential electricity rates consistently rank among the highest nationally. While the national average hovers around 15 cents per kWh, Rhode Island regularly exceeds 30 cents per kWh — and in some months, utilities surpass 35 cents. This cost disparity raises urgent questions: Why are Rhode Islanders paying so much more than the average American for electricity?