Rhode Island Energy provides customers with one-time bill credit

Rhode Island Energy is providing its electric and gas customers with a one-time bill credit of roughly $64 to help offset the rising energy costs.

Rhode Island Energy is providing the credits as part of an agreement tied to PPL Corp.’s acquisition of the company earlier this year. The credits total $50 million.

“We know Rhode Islanders are concerned about the rising costs of energy right now, and we are too,” Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy, said. “Many places in New England are seeing even higher prices than what we’re experiencing here in Rhode Island. And although these credits won’t alleviate all the challenges our customers are facing, we are hopeful these funds can help lessen the impact of higher supply prices.”

Specifically, each customer got a $63.92 credit on their electric bill and a $64.44 credit on their gas bills issued. Customers with both electricity and natural gas accounts with Rhode Island Energy will receive both credits. The credits were applied on Nov. 4. Customers should check the “Other Charges/Adjustments” portion of their upcoming bills to make sure they were applied to all accounts.

“Thanks to our discussions with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, the Office of Energy Resources, the George Wiley Center, and others, we are working to provide assistance and programs that will help our customers manage this winter’s energy costs,” Bonenberger said.

In the last six weeks alone, Rhode Island Energy has provided more than $43 million in debt forgiveness to more than 24,000 eligible customers.

Further, Rhode Island Energy is encouraging customers to explore the many programs available to assist them as higher energy prices impact the region. This includes discount rates, debt forgiveness, and assistance programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund.