Energy Calculators

Electricity rates in Rhode Island

The average residential electricity price in Rhode Island was 28.18¢/kWh in August 2026, 55.2% above the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh (EIA).

Average price (Aug 2026)
28.18¢/kWh
Change vs Aug 2025
+6.2%+1.65¢/kWh
Rank (1 = most expensive)
7thof 51
vs U.S. average
+55.2%+10.02¢/kWh

Rhode Island residential electricity price, last 12 months

Rhode Island vs U.S. average residential electricity price, last 12 monthsRhode Island: 28.3¢ in Sep 2025, 28.2¢ in Aug 2026. Low 28.2¢, high 31.2¢.15.0¢20.0¢25.0¢30.0¢35.0¢Nov 2025Feb 2026May 2026Aug 2026
· cents per kWh
Show data table
MonthRhode IslandU.S. average
Aug 202628.2¢18.2¢
Jul 202628.3¢18.3¢
Jun 202629.2¢18.4¢
May 202629.5¢18.4¢
Apr 202628.3¢18.9¢
Mar 202629.9¢18.6¢
Feb 202629.4¢17.6¢
Jan 202630.1¢17.4¢
Dec 202531.2¢17.1¢
Nov 202530.8¢17.8¢
Oct 202531.2¢17.9¢
Sep 202528.3¢18.1¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Aug 2026). Retrieved November 5, 2026. About our data

What common appliances cost to run in Rhode Island

Worked examples at 28.18¢/kWh, the August 2026 average:

  • Running a 1,500 W space heater 6 hours a day for 30 days uses 270 kWh and costs about $76.09.
  • Running a 3,500 W central air conditioner 8 hours a day for 30 days uses 840 kWh and costs about $236.71.
  • Running a refrigerator using 500 kWh per year uses 500 kWh and costs about $140.90 a year.

Try your own appliance in the appliance cost calculator.

Typical monthly use and bill

Rhode Island residential customers used an average of 562 kWh a month in 2025 (EIA annual data). At 28.18¢/kWh, that works out to about $158.37 a month.

States with similar prices

Compare all 50 states and DC

Frequently asked questions

Is electricity expensive in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island ranked 7th most expensive of 51 (50 states and DC) in August 2026, at 28.18¢/kWh versus the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.

How have Rhode Island electricity prices changed over the past year?

The average residential price rose from 26.53¢/kWh in August 2025 to 28.18¢/kWh in August 2026, a change of +6.2%.

What is a typical electric bill in Rhode Island?

Residential customers in Rhode Island used an average of 562 kWh a month in 2025. At 28.18¢/kWh that is about $158.37 a month. Use the electric bill calculator for your own usage.

Why might my Rhode Island rate differ from this average?

The state average blends every utility, rate plan and fixed charge in the state. Utilities, co-ops and municipal providers set different tariffs, and time-of-use or tiered plans change the price of each kWh. Divide your bill total by your kWh for your own average rate.

Data last updated: