Ken Block Proposed Rhode Island Energy Bill Relief

The gubernatorial candidate suggested slowing the renewable energy transition to lower costs for state residents.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring tall electrical transmission towers in navy and cream, representing energy infrastructure policy. — Gubernatorial candidate Ken Block has proposed slowing Rhode Island's renewable energy transition and eliminating certain utility taxes to lower electricity costs for residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is slowing the renewable energy transition the right way to manage energy costs in your area?

Independent candidate Ken Block has introduced an energy plan aimed at reducing electricity bills across Rhode Island. The proposal includes delaying the state's transition to renewable energy sources and removing specific taxes from utility charges.

Why it matters

Block argues that the current pace of the renewable energy transition, which mandates a 100% target by 2033, creates financial burdens that threaten the economic stability of the state and its residents.

Rhode Island maintains a 4% state gross receipts tax on electricity bills, while renewable energy requirements are set to rise to 41% in 2026 and 63.5% by 2029.

The players

Ken Block

He is an independent candidate running for Governor of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Energy

This is the primary utility company serving electricity and gas customers throughout Rhode Island.

The details

The proposed plan focuses on eliminating the gross receipts tax and municipal infrastructure taxes from consumer utility bills, which are currently passed down as delivery charges. Additionally, the plan seeks to shift the state's renewable energy goal of 100% to a 2040 deadline, following reports that only 44.5% of renewable energy credits were purchased from in-state facilities in recent periods.

2024: Compliance costs for renewable energy credits reached an estimated $70 million to $75 million.
2025: Municipalities and fire districts levied $99.8 million in property taxes on Rhode Island Energy.
2026: The state renewable energy requirement increases to 41%.
2029: The state renewable energy requirement will reach 63.5%.
2033: This is the current deadline mandated by state law to reach 100% renewable energy.

Roadmap

This proposal highlights the ongoing tension between state decarbonization mandates and the immediate financial pressures placed on utility ratepayers. It reflects a broader shift where some policymakers are reevaluating the pace of green energy adoption to protect against rising electricity infrastructure costs.

If enacted, the plan could reduce monthly electricity bills for residents by removing specific state and municipal taxes currently embedded in delivery charges. These changes would shift the financial strategy of the state's renewable energy program, potentially impacting future energy procurement costs.

The takeaway

Balancing environmental targets with affordable utility costs remains a complex challenge for state governments. Residents should monitor how legislative changes to renewable mandates could affect both long-term climate goals and their immediate monthly expenses.