Treasurer Diossa Calls on Public Utilities Commission to Protect Consumers by Reconsidering a Proposed Electric Rate Hike

Published on Friday, July 28, 2023

Providence, RI – Today, Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa sent a letter to Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Chairman Ronald Gerwatowski, and Commissioners Abigail Anthony and Jonathan Revens, Jr. calling for them to take steps to protect consumers from a 24% electric rate hike proposed by Rhode Island Energy.

“The proposed 24% increase is untenable for many Rhode Islanders, especially those that reside in low- and moderate-income communities,” wrote General Treasurer Diossa. “With the average household using 500 kilowatt hours a month, an average monthly bill would come out to be around $166. For many working families, this hike, in addition to already high heating expenses, will force them to make the impossible choice between putting food on the table or keeping their home warm in the winter.”

The letter to the PUC can be found here.