Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III and Rep. Enrique George Sanchez introduced the legislation to help consumers better understand what they are paying each month.
What the bill would do
The legislation (2026-S 2074, 2026-H 7885) would require electric bills to include a visual illustration showing each component of the total cost and how much each part contributes.
Current law already requires a breakdown of charges, but lawmakers say the format is often confusing and difficult to follow.
Lawmakers cite consumer confusion
Ciccone said many residents struggle to understand their monthly bills, especially as costs continue to rise.
Sanchez added that clearer bills would help customers better track their spending and understand where their money is going.
Oversight and enforcement
The Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers would be responsible for enforcing the requirement and approving the format used by electric companies.
I have to say that Rhode Island Energy has already made the bill easier to read, than it was. The cost of the electricity itself, Supply, is relatively low. It is the Deliverly side that is costly. The Deliverly side includes all the State Mandated charges that the General Assembly approved and could remove to lower the overall cost by an average of $25, according to Greg Cornett, President of Rhode Island Energy.
Lets not forget that the General Assembly has passed legislation that forces Rhode Island Energy to purchase the electricity from a limited number of suppliers, which forces them into a bidding war.
I have to say that Rhode Island Energy has already made the bill easier to read, than it was. The cost of the electricity itself, Supply, is relatively low. It is the Deliverly side that is costly. The Deliverly side includes all the State Mandated charges that the General Assembly approved and could remove to lower the overall cost by an average of $25, according to Greg Cornett, President of Rhode Island Energy.
Lets not forget that the General Assembly has passed legislation that forces Rhode Island Energy to purchase the electricity from a limited number of suppliers, which forces them into a bidding war.