The Short Version
- Rhode Island Energy's default price is called Last Resort Service. The residential price rises from 11.092¢ to 17.029¢ per kWh on October 1, 2026, as approved by the Public Utilities Commission.
- Winter prices have jumped like this every October since at least 2022. A fixed price for the whole year can smooth that out.
- Residential supplier contracts can't renew automatically in Rhode Island. Business contracts can.
- The easiest way to get it right: let us compare offers for you. It's free.
Your Bill Has Two Parts
Delivery always stays with Rhode Island Energy: the wires, service calls, emergencies, and storm restoration. Supply is the electricity itself, and you can choose who provides it. If you don't, you're on Last Resort Service, the default price that used to be called Standard Offer.
The October 2026 Price Jump
Rhode Island Energy Last Resort Service prices, in cents per kWh, from the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission:
| Customer type | April to Sept 2026 | Oct 2026 to March 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 11.092¢ | 17.029¢ |
| Commercial, fixed price | 10.485¢ | 16.581¢ |
Source: Rhode Island Energy's Last Resort Service tariff (R.I.P.U.C. No. 2096, effective October 1, 2026), filed with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission in Docket 26-27-EL after the Commission approved the rates at its September 24, 2026 open meeting; checked September 30, 2026. Commercial variable and industrial prices are listed separately in the tariff.
See the full details, what it means for your business, and how to beat it on each utility's page: Rhode Island Energy.
The Winter Pattern
This isn't a one-time spike. The Commission's own history shows the residential default price rising every October and falling every April:
- October 2022: 7.810¢ to 17.785¢
- October 2023: 10.341¢ to 17.741¢
- October 2024: 10.377¢ to 16.387¢
- October 2025: 10.068¢ to 14.770¢
- October 2026: 11.092¢ to 17.029¢
A 12-month fixed price blends the cheap summer months with the expensive winter ones, so you're not hit with six months of winter pricing all at once. Whether a fixed offer beats the default over a full year depends on the offer, and that's exactly what we check for you.
Is Your Town Buying Power for You?
Rhode Island cities and towns can buy electricity as a group for residents and businesses through municipal aggregation. In an opt-out program, you're enrolled automatically unless you opt out.
- You'll be told first. Before enrolling anyone, the town has to disclose that you'll be enrolled automatically, along with the rates, charges, and terms.
- You can leave. You get the chance to opt out at least every two years without a switching fee. If you leave, you go back to Last Resort Service until you choose a supplier.
- It isn't automatically your best price. A business can often do better with its own contract.
Your Rights in Rhode Island
- No automatic renewals for homes. Since 2019, a supplier can't automatically renew a residential contract, and switching you from fixed to variable, or to a different fixed rate, takes a new contract.
- Leave electronically. You can end an existing supplier agreement electronically.
- Block unwanted switches. Ask Rhode Island Energy to block your account from being switched to a competitive supplier.
- Registered suppliers only. Suppliers must be registered with the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers to sell electricity in Rhode Island.
For Businesses
The no-automatic-renewal rule protects households. Business contracts can still renew automatically and carry early termination fees and minimum bill amounts, so read those terms before you sign.
The Commission notes that buying from a competitive supplier has long been common for larger commercial and industrial accounts. With the commercial fixed default price at 16.581¢ from October 2026 through March 2027, a business that locks in a competitive fixed price has the most to gain. Rhode Island is part of the ISO New England grid, so for larger accounts, how the contract handles capacity costs matters too.
How to Compare an Offer
- Compare against the right default price. Last Resort Service changes every April 1 and October 1, so compare a 12-month offer against both halves of the year.
- Make sure the quoted price includes all energy costs. The Commission specifically warns to check this.
- Fixed or variable? A variable rate can change with the market.
- For a business: renewal terms, minimum bills, and early termination fees. Know all three before you sign.
- When you leave a supplier, contact your current supplier so you don't trigger a penalty.
Watch out for "your utility sent me." Door-to-door and phone sellers sometimes imply they're from Rhode Island Energy. Your utility doesn't sell supply contracts. Don't share your account number with anyone who knocks or calls uninvited, and never sign on the spot.
Why Let Us Shop for You
You can compare supplier offers on your own. Most people don't have time to read every contract, and with a 54% jump on the table, the timing matters. Here's what you get when we do it for you:
- Offers side by side, compared against Last Resort Service for both the summer and winter periods.
- The fine print, read for you. We flag renewal terms, minimum bills, and early termination fees.
- Someone watching your end date. We reach out before your contract ends, so you're never caught by the next winter jump.
- Free to you. The supplier you choose pays us. If nothing beats what you pay now, we'll tell you.
Or skip the form: send us a photo of your bill.
Free 10-minute checklist When does your energy contract end, and what will you pay the day after? Get the Energy Contract Checkup →FAQ
Will my power go out if I switch?
No. Rhode Island Energy still delivers your electricity and responds to service calls, emergencies, and storm restoration. Only the energy portion of your bill changes.
How often does Last Resort Service change?
Residential and commercial Last Resort Service prices are adjusted every six months, on April 1 and October 1. Industrial prices change quarterly.
Is the October 2026 increase final?
Yes. The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission approved the 17.029 cent residential price for October 2026 through March 2027 at its September 24, 2026 open meeting.
Can a supplier renew my home's contract automatically?
No. Since 2019, Rhode Island law has eliminated automatic renewals of residential supplier contracts, and a change from fixed to variable or to a different fixed rate requires a new contract.
How do I stop someone from switching my account?
You can ask Rhode Island Energy to place a block on your account so it can't be switched to a competitive supplier.