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State electricity cost

How much does electricity cost in Rhode Island?

The average residential electricity rate in Rhode Island is 29.49¢ per kilowatt-hour (2026-04-ytd), the 46th-cheapest state average in the U.S. That is 59% above the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.54¢/kWh).

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B (2026-06-25). State averages are not household tariffs: taxes, fixed charges, and tiered or time-of-use pricing are not included.

Example monthly bills at the Rhode Island average rate

Engine-generated energy-portion estimates for three usage levels. Enter your own kWh in the bill estimator for a personalized range.

Monthly usageEstimated rangeMost likely
500 kWh$122.09–$181.66$147.45
1,000 kWh$244.18–$363.32$294.90
1,500 kWh$366.27–$544.98$442.35

What appliances cost to run in Rhode Island

Each row prices that appliance's reference scenario at the Rhode Island state-average rate through the appliance-energy engine. Open a guide to adjust watts, hours, and usage.

ApplianceReference scenariokWh/monthEstimated/month
Central air conditioner8 hours a day with moderate cycling504.00$148.63
Space heater6 hours a day on 20 days in a month144.00$42.47
Electric water heaterElements active about 3 hours a day405.00$119.43
Refrigerator150 watts with a 35% compressor duty cycle37.80$11.15
EV home charging (Level 2)About 2.5 charging hours a day (~50 miles)468.00$138.01
Pool pump8 hours a day at full draw264.00$77.85
Electric dryer45-minute cycles, twelve times per month22.95$6.77
Television5 hours a day of mixed viewing16.50$4.87

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-04-ytd.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Rhode Island?
The published state-average residential rate for Rhode Island is 29.49 cents per kilowatt-hour (2026-04-ytd, EIA). Your utility's tariff can differ meaningfully once fixed charges, taxes, and rate tiers are applied.
Is electricity in Rhode Island cheap or expensive compared with other states?
Rhode Island has the 46th-cheapest state-average rate of the 51 averages we track, sitting 59% above the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.54¢/kWh).
Why is my actual Rhode Island bill different from these estimates?
These examples apply one state-average rate to assumed usage. Real bills add fixed monthly charges, taxes and fees, tiered or time-of-use pricing, and your household’s actual kilowatt-hours, which vary with weather and behavior.

Keep comparing

  • New York — next-cheapest state average (29.08¢/kWh)
  • Maine — next state average up (29.89¢/kWh)

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