Rhode Island Energy Disconnected More Customers in 2026
Utility service terminations reached their highest levels since 2019 following the expiration of pandemic-era protections.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Utilities
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Rhode Island Energy disconnected service to 18,139 customers between May 1 and August 31, 2026, marking the highest volume of shutoffs since 2019. The surge in terminations followed the December 31, 2025, expiration of relaxed repayment rules that had governed utility accounts during the pandemic.
Why it matters
The expiration of COVID-era protections forced many residents to face higher energy prices without the benefit of minimal down payment requirements. Factors including regional natural gas pipeline constraints and rising global liquefied natural gas prices have combined to deepen the crisis for households struggling with utility bills.
Rhode Island Energy reported 18,139 service terminations between May 1 and August 31, 2026, compared to 16,748 total shutoffs recorded during the same seasonal window in 2025. Total customer arrearages reached $254.9 million by May 2025, up significantly from $124.7 million in January 2022.
The players
Rhode Island Energy
This is the primary utility provider serving the state of Rhode Island.
Sam Bell
He is a State Senator who intends to propose legislative options for addressing utility costs in the General Assembly.
Public Utilities Commission
This is the state regulatory body that previously ordered relaxed repayment regulations for utility customers.
The details
Calls to the 211 help center regarding utility assistance reached 11,783 through September 2026, reflecting a nearly fourfold increase over previous years. Low-income customer disconnections saw a sharp rise in August 2026, with 651 customers losing service compared to only 59 in August 2025.
Timeline
December 31, 2025: COVID-era utility repayment rules expired.
May 1, 2026: The winter utility shutoff moratorium was lifted.
August 31, 2026: The reporting period for the 18,139 disconnections concluded.
November 1, 2026: The annual winter moratorium on utility shutoffs takes effect.
Market Landscape
The expiration of the COVID-era utility repayment rules has fundamentally altered the competitive landscape for energy consumers in Rhode Island. This shift highlights how quickly historical regulatory relief can impact market stability and utility-consumer relationships across the state.
Customers struggling with overdue balances face a more rigid repayment environment following the end of pandemic-era payment leniency. Residents currently in arrears may be eligible for management plans, which include a maximum of $1,500 in arrearage forgiveness.
The takeaway
The end of pandemic-era protections necessitates that customers proactively contact their providers to secure available management plans. Households facing hardship should explore state assistance resources before any potential service terminations occur.
What happens next
The General Assembly will consider new legislative options for utility bill costs when the body reconvenes. Additionally, Rhode Island Energy plans to finalize a new program providing low-income rate discounts.
Further reading
For more background on state energy policy, visit the Utilities section.
More information
Residents can find information on upcoming support events by visiting the Rhode Island Energy customer assistance expos.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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