Updated with EIA data for August 2026
In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Rhode Island was 28.18¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 55% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Rhode Island the 7th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 6.2% from August 2025 (26.53¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 29.05¢ | $169 | 580 kWh |
| 2025 | 29.48¢ | $166 | 562 kWh |
| 2024 | 28.65¢ | $162 | 567 kWh |
| 2023 | 27.02¢ | $150 | 554 kWh |
| 2022 | 23.21¢ | $137 | 589 kWh |
| 2021 | 22.30¢ | $130 | 585 kWh |
| 2020 | 22.01¢ | $131 | 594 kWh |
| 2019 | 21.73¢ | $122 | 560 kWh |
| 2018 | 20.55¢ | $121 | 589 kWh |
| 2017 | 18.32¢ | $106 | 577 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 28.18¢ | 26.53¢ |
| Commercial | 23.31¢ | 22.23¢ |
| Industrial | 19.87¢ | 19.84¢ |
| Transportation | 22.58¢ | 22.25¢ |
| All sectors | 25.34¢ | 23.95¢ |
At Rhode Island's 12-month average residential rate of 29.44¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.
| Monthly use | Rhode Island | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $73.60 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $147.20 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $220.80 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $294.40 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $441.60 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $588.80 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 28.18¢ (August 2026) to 31.18¢ (October 2025), and homes used the most electricity in July 2026 (766 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 28.18¢ | $176 | 625 kWh |
| July 2026 | 28.29¢ | $217 | 766 kWh |
| June 2026 | 29.23¢ | $142 | 485 kWh |
| May 2026 | 29.46¢ | $148 | 503 kWh |
| April 2026 | 28.30¢ | $145 | 513 kWh |
| March 2026 | 29.91¢ | $157 | 524 kWh |
| February 2026 | 29.45¢ | $171 | 581 kWh |
| January 2026 | 30.14¢ | $191 | 633 kWh |
| December 2025 | 31.17¢ | $188 | 603 kWh |
| November 2025 | 30.84¢ | $140 | 455 kWh |
| October 2025 | 31.18¢ | $137 | 438 kWh |
| September 2025 | 28.33¢ | $135 | 478 kWh |
Rhode Island's 12-month average rate is higher than 1 of its 2 neighbors.
| State | 12-mo avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 29.44¢ | $163 | #5 |
| Connecticut | 27.42¢ | $193 | #7 |
| Massachusetts | 30.39¢ | $183 | #3 |
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.22–$0.44 |
| Refrigerator | 725 W | $0.21 |
| Clothes dryer | 1,800–5,000 W | $0.53–$1.47 |
| Washing machine | 350–500 W | $0.10–$0.15 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W | $0.35–$0.71 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $1.32–$1.62 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.22–$0.32 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.02–$0.07 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Rhode Island
Rhode Island has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.
Each kW of solar panels in Providence produces about 1,294 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Rhode Island home, a 5.2 kW system would cost about $13,364 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 6.9 years. See the full Rhode Island solar estimate.
Switching ProvidersRhode Island lets you choose a competitive electricity supplier. Here's how Empower RI works, how Last Resort Service changes and what protections apply.
Switching ProvidersFixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.
Saving EnergyPractical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.
SolarThe 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.
The average residential electricity rate in Rhode Island was 28.18¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 29.44¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in Rhode Island paid $176 for 625 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, Rhode Island's average rate of 28.18¢ was 55% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.
Yes, Rhode Island has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.