Electricity Cost in Rhode Island (July 2026)
Electricity in Rhode Island costs 28.29 cents per kWh on average for homes in July 2026 – 55% above the US average of 18.31¢. That is the 45th cheapest of 51 states and DC. A home using 900 kWh pays about $254.61 a month in energy charges.
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, July 2026, released September 24, 2026. Dollar figures below are computed from this rate.
Monthly electric bill in Rhode Island by usage
| Monthly usage | Rhode Island bill | At US average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $141.45 | $91.55 | +$49.90 |
| 900 kWh | $254.61 | $164.79 | +$89.82 |
| 1,200 kWh | $339.48 | $219.72 | +$119.76 |
| 1,500 kWh | $424.35 | $274.65 | +$149.70 |
Energy charge only: kWh × 28.29¢. Fixed fees and taxes are not included.
In 2024 the average Rhode Island household used 567 kWh a month (below the US average of 863) and paid $162.40, which included fees (28.65¢ per kWh over that year). At the July 2026 rate, that same usage would run about $160.40.
What appliances cost to run in Rhode Island
| Appliance | Watts | Use | Per month | vs US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 h/day | $77.45 | +$27.32 |
| Window AC | 900 | 8 h/day | $61.96 | +$21.86 |
| Portable AC | 1,200 | 8 h/day | $82.62 | +$29.14 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 h/day | $240.96 | +$85.01 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 h/day | $10.33 | +$3.64 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 8 h/day | $6.88 | +$2.43 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 6 h/day | $25.82 | +$9.11 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 h/day | $116.18 | +$40.98 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 h/day | $25.82 | +$9.11 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 | 1 h/day | $10.33 | +$3.64 |
| Washing machine | 400 | 1 h/day | $3.44 | +$1.21 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 h/day | $20.65 | +$7.29 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 4 h/day | $13.77 | +$4.86 |
| TV | 100 | 5 h/day | $4.30 | +$1.52 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 | 8 h/day | $4.13 | +$1.46 |
| Hot tub | 1,500 | 4 h/day | $51.63 | +$18.22 |
| Pool pump | 1,500 | 8 h/day | $103.27 | +$36.43 |
| EV Level 2 charger | 7,200 | 2 h/day | $123.92 | +$43.72 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 h/day | $6.88 | +$2.43 |
| Mini split | 1,000 | 8 h/day | $68.85 | +$24.29 |
Typical wattage and daily hours from our appliance pages; month = 30.42 days; rate 28.29¢/kWh.
In Rhode Island, one electric dryer costs about $25.82 a month and a space heater used 6 hours a day about $77.45. Every kWh you save is worth 28.29 cents here, so efficiency upgrades pay back faster than the national norm.
Has the price changed in Rhode Island?
The residential rate moved from 26.18¢ in July 2025 to 28.29¢ in July 2026: +2.11¢ per kWh (+8.1%). Nationally the change was +0.86¢ (+4.9%). For a 900 kWh month that is an extra $18.99 compared with a year earlier.
Compare with other states
- District of Columbia: 25.21¢/kWh (3.08¢ cheaper)
- New Hampshire: 26.60¢/kWh (1.69¢ cheaper)
- Alaska: 28.83¢/kWh (0.54¢ pricier)
- New York: 29.90¢/kWh (1.61¢ pricier)
- Cheapest in the US: Louisiana at 12.72¢/kWh – 900 kWh would cost $114.48 instead of $254.61.
Rhode Island is in the New England region. Cheaper in the region: Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire. All: Vermont (23.75¢), Connecticut (24.16¢), New Hampshire (26.60¢), Massachusetts (30.49¢), Maine (32.41¢).
Ways to cut your bill in Rhode Island
- Run your own numbers in the electricity cost calculator.
- Compare heating options at 28.29¢/kWh with the heat pump vs furnace calculator.
- See what it costs to charge an electric car in Rhode Island.
- Estimate savings from solar panels: each kWh produced offsets 28.29 cents.
Frequently asked questions
How much is electricity per kWh in Rhode Island?
The average residential rate in Rhode Island was 28.29 cents per kWh in July 2026. That is 55% above the US average of 18.31 cents, and ranks Rhode Island 45th cheapest of 51 (50 states plus DC).
What is the average electric bill in Rhode Island?
In 2024, the average Rhode Island home used 567 kWh a month and paid $162.40, versus $142.26 nationally. At today's 28.29¢ rate, the same 567 kWh would cost about $160.40 in energy charges.
Is electricity getting more expensive in Rhode Island?
Yes. The residential price was 28.29¢ in July 2026 compared with 26.18¢ in July 2025, a change of +2.11¢ (+8.1%). The US average moved +0.86¢ over the same period.
How much does a 1,000 kWh month cost in Rhode Island?
About $282.90 in energy charges at 28.29¢/kWh, compared with $183.10 at the US average. Fixed customer charges and taxes on your utility bill come on top.
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A (July 2026); EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price (2024).