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9/9/2025
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Rep. Morales opposes proposed utility rate hikes, will again support legislation to lower utility bills, decrease corporate profits
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STATE HOUSE — Rep. David Morales announced today that he objects to the substantial rate increases for electric ratepayers proposed by Rhode Island Energy, and that he will again support legislation to lower residential utility bills in the upcoming session.
“If these proposed rate hikes are approved, this winter Rhode Islanders will again be paying too much to heat their homes and keep their lights on. While I am thankful that Rhode Island Energy plans to accelerate bill credits to provide some relief to rate payers over the next two winters, this proposal would still leave thousands of Rhode Island families, seniors and working people with an 18% increase in their electric bill that they cannot afford,” said Representative Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence). “We in the General Assembly can’t lower the supply cost of electricity in the short term, but we can reduce energy bills by capping the amount of profit utilities make off of delivery charges. I supported legislation to do just that last session, and I will continue to push for its passage next session. Corporate profits shouldn’t be built on the struggles of working families and seniors on fixed incomes.”
Representative Morales cosponsored legislation earlier in the year that would have capped the profit margin that public electric or gas distribution utilities can make in Rhode Island to 4% in any year and plans to support similar legislation next year.
Rhode Island Energy has proposed a winter rate increase amounting to a monthly increase of about 18% percent, or $24 each month for an average customer.
The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Monday, Sept. 15, to consider this proposal and hear feedback from Rhode Islanders. Written public comments may be submitted by e-mail to puc.publiccomments@puc.ri.gov with the subject line “RI Energy Rate Change.”
“High utility bills are dangerous for the health of our communities, especially in the winer, as they force those who can’t afford them into impossible and often unsafe choices,” said Representative Morales. “While the wintertime shutoff moratorium that I helped to extend will prevent eligible households with from having their power turned off, they still will be racking up utility debt that they cannot afford just to keep their home safe and bright this winter.”
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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