Electricity cost in Rhode Island
Short answer
Electricity in Rhode Island averages about 27¢/kWh. At that rate, running central AC costs about $172/month — above the U.S. average of 16.8¢.
Avg rate
27¢/kWh
| Appliance | Cost / month in Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $172 |
| Electric water heater | $98 |
| Refrigerator | $10 |
| Space heater | $62 |
| Electric clothes dryer | $25 |
| EV charger (Level 2) | $177 |
What drives an electric bill in Rhode Island
Electricity in Rhode Island averages about 27¢/kWh — about 61% above the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Every kilowatt-hour your home uses is billed at that rate, so Rhode Island's rate sets the baseline for what every appliance costs to run.
The bill is dominated by high-wattage, long-running loads. In Rhode Island, running central AC works out to about $172/month and an electric water heater around $98/month; electric heat and EV charging land in the same tier. Small electronics barely move the needle by comparison — it's the heating, cooling, and water loads that decide a Rhode Island bill.
You have two levers. The first is the rate itself — where Rhode Island allows supplier or plan choice, shopping it can shave the 27¢ baseline. The second is usage: trimming hours on the biggest draws saves far more than unplugging phone chargers. Enter any appliance in the calculator to see its exact cost at Rhode Island's rate.
What drives your bill
| Factor | Effect on your bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity rate | Rhode Island averages about 27¢/kWh (U.S. average 16.8¢) |
| Biggest energy users | Central AC, electric heat, water heating, and EV charging dominate the bill |
| Hours of use | More runtime on those big loads is the fastest way a bill climbs |
| Home efficiency | Insulation, sealing, and Energy-Star appliances cut how long everything runs |
| Season & climate | Heating and cooling swings drive bills up in summer and winter peaks |
| Rate plan | Time-of-use plans and, where offered, supplier choice change your effective rate |
How Rhode Island compares on rates
| Reference | Average rate |
|---|---|
| U.S. average | 16.8¢/kWh |
| Lowest (Idaho) | 10.5¢/kWh |
| Rhode Island | 27¢/kWh |
| Highest (Hawaii) | 42¢/kWh |
Cutting your bill in Rhode Island
- Focus on the big loads first — in Rhode Island, shaving AC, heating, and water-heater runtime saves more than any small gadget.
- Rhode Island's 27¢/kWh rate is above the U.S. average, so efficiency upgrades pay back faster here than in cheaper states.
- Check whether Rhode Island offers time-of-use plans or supplier choice — shifting heavy use off-peak can lower your effective rate.
- Run each of your real appliances through the calculator at Rhode Island's 27¢ rate to find where your money actually goes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in Rhode Island?
About 27¢/kWh for residential customers — versus the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Your exact rate depends on your utility and plan.
How much does an electric water heater cost to run in Rhode Island?
About $98 per month at Rhode Island's 27¢/kWh rate, assuming typical use. Heat-pump water heaters cost far less.
How much does a space heater cost to run in Rhode Island?
Around $62 per month if run ~5 hours a day at 27¢/kWh. Space heaters are cheap to buy but expensive to run.