National Grid To Raise Rates Again This Winter

PROVIDENCE, RI – National Grid has asked for a 19 percent rate hike for electricity this winter. The increase is to offset higher prices its suppliers are charging, the company said Thursday. The proposal went to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday and affects "Standard Offer Service (SOS) rates, which represent the cost of electricity that National Grid buys for customers and passes on without profit," National Grid said.

The typical customer's monthly bill will go up $18.97. The prices would be in effect for the six winter months (Oct. 1 through March 31), but the PUC could OK a 12-month increase that would be less than the 19 percent.

“There’s no question, these higher energy prices are a major concern for us and our customers,” said Timothy Horan, president of National Grid in Rhode Island. “And while we don’t control the supply cost of electricity, we do have energy saving programs and other measures available to help our customers take control of their bills. When the region is facing such high electricity supply prices, it’s critical that our customers recognize how participating in these programs can put them in charge and lower their energy costs.”

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