 |
|
9/25/2024
|
In response to approved utility rate hikes, Rep. Morales to introduce legislation for bill credits to impacted households
|
STATE HOUSE – Following the Public Utilities Commission’s approval last week of substantial rate increases for Rhode Island Energy electric ratepayers, Rep. David Morales announced today that he will be introducing legislation to provide broad relief to customers impacted by annual rate hikes.
Representative Morales is planning legislation to provide a monthly $50 bill credit during the winter for utility electric customers whose household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, which equates to a family of three earning less than $105,000 a year or a senior on an annual income of less than $60,000.
While details of the legislation are still being drafted, Representative Morales intends the cost of the credit to be shared by the state and Rhode Island Energy. The credit would be issued to qualified utility customers monthly during the winter heating season, which runs from October through March.
“Thousands of Rhode Island families, seniors, and working people in general cannot absorb a 23% increase in their electric bill. While the wintertime shutoff moratorium may provide eligible households with the protection of not having their power turned off, many will be racking up utility debt that they simply cannot afford. Regardless of the reason for the rate hike, the fact of the matter is that people aren’t able to pay more for the essential need of electricity. There has to be relief for those most impacted,” said Representative Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence).
The Public Utilities Commission last week approved a rate increase that will affect those whose electricity is supplied by Rhode Island Energy, amounting to a monthly increase of about 23% percent, or $31 each month for an average customer. A separate rate hike for natural gas provided by Rhode Island Energy, amounting to about $42 a month for an average household, is still pending before the commission.
“High utility bills are dangerous for the health of our communities as they force those who can’t afford them into impossible and often unsafe choices, while burdening households with debt that causes lasting harm,” said Representative Morales.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
|
|