Rhode Island & Delaware Electricity: Small State Rate Guide

Rhode Island & Delaware Electricity: Small State Rate Guide

Rhode Island and Delaware may be small, but their electricity markets have unique characteristics worth understanding.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid)

Serves virtually all of Rhode Island's approximately 500,000 electric customers.

#### Rate Structure

• Customer Charge: ~$6/month
• Distribution Charge: Per-kWh delivery
• Transmission: Grid infrastructure
• Standard Offer: Default supply option

Average residential rate: approximately 24-26 cents per kWh - among the highest in the nation.

Why Rhode Island Rates Are High

1. Small market size - limited economies of scale
2. Natural gas dependence - volatile fuel prices
3. Transmission costs - importing most power
4. Renewable mandates - transition investments

Delaware

Delmarva Power

Serves approximately 300,000 electric customers in Delaware.

#### Rate Structure

• Customer Charge: ~$9/month
• Distribution Charge: Per-kWh delivery
• Transmission: Grid costs
• Standard Offer Service: Default supply

Average residential rate: approximately 13-15 cents per kWh - much lower than Rhode Island.

Why Delaware Rates Are Lower

1. PJM membership - access to large regional grid
2. Diverse generation - mix of sources
3. Lower renewable mandates - slower transition costs
4. Proximity to generation - less transmission loss

Energy Assistance Programs

Rhode Island

• LIHEAP through DHS
• Good Neighbor Energy Fund
• Utility discount rates

Delaware

• LIHEAP through DHSS
• Weatherization Assistance
• Utility payment plans

Tips for Small State Residents

1. Rhode Island: Focus heavily on efficiency - high rates mean big savings potential
2. Delaware: Take advantage of relatively low rates but still pursue efficiency
3. Both states: Explore solar options - good incentives available
4. Compare suppliers in both deregulated markets