RI regulators greenlight winter electric rate hike

Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved an electric rate hike for the winter, resulting in an average increase of over 24% in monthly utility bills for residential households. The new rate of 17.74 cents per kilowatt hour is higher than the summer rate but slightly lower than last winter's rate. PUC Chairman Ron Gerwatowski expects such increases to be typical in the next few years. To offset the higher costs, the state will suspend the gross earning tax and provide $3 million in relief for low-income customers. Governor Dan McKee also announced additional measures to lower costs for residents.