Rhode Island Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through August 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 31, 2026
As of August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Rhode Island is 28.18¢/kWh (the 7th-highest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $176.03, per EIA data. That rate is 10.0¢ above the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 28.33 | 135.47 | 478 |
| October 2025 | 31.18 | 136.69 | 438 |
| November 2025 | 30.84 | 140.28 | 455 |
| December 2025 | 31.17 | 188.10 | 603 |
| January 2026 | 30.14 | 190.80 | 633 |
| February 2026 | 29.45 | 171.14 | 581 |
| March 2026 | 29.91 | 156.59 | 524 |
| April 2026 | 28.30 | 145.24 | 513 |
| May 2026 | 29.46 | 148.17 | 503 |
| June 2026 | 29.23 | 141.64 | 485 |
| July 2026 | 28.29 | 216.81 | 766 |
| August 2026 | 28.18 | 176.03 | 625 |
Rhode Island vs the U.S. average
| Rhode Island | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 28.18¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $176.03 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 625 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +6.2% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +38.5% | +30.5% |
Rhode Island's average residential rate of 28.18¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 45th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +6.2% (Rhode Island) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +38.5% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 625 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Rhode Island's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Rhode Island
Average effective rates and bills for Rhode Island's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Narragansett Electric Co | 27.47 | 160.05 | 583 | 463,936 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at Rhode Island rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Rhode Island's average rate of 28.18¢/kWh is about $281.80. The state's actual average usage is 625 kWh/month, which is what produces the $176.03 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: Rhode Island gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.