Wednesday, April 15, 2026
NEWPORT, R.I. - The Newport Community Electricity program has announced new electricity supply prices to go into effect beginning with the May 2026 meter read. The prices of the program’s electricity options will decrease by 8% and the program default option, Newport Standard, will continue to include 5% additional renewable energy from local projects in Rhode Island. The new prices will be fixed for six months through customers’ November 2026 meter read. Costs this summer are being impacted by a new mechanism introduced by the grid operator, ISO-New England, to enhance reliability called the Day Ahead Ancillary Services Initiative (DASI). Throughout 2025, costs for DASI exceeded estimates which have since been compounded by winter storm Fern in January 2026 that strained our regional electricity grid. These costs are affecting rates for all electricity consumers in Rhode Island and across the whole of New England. The program’s additional renewable energy is sourced from in-state projects, including the Narragansett Bay Commission wind turbines at Fields Point in Providence, solar in West Greenwich and additional wind turbines in Coventry. Amidst extreme volatility in fossil fuel markets, exacerbated by recent geopolitical events, the program’s commitment to expand local renewable energy is a tangible way to combat climate change while supporting regional power security. he program expands community members’ choices for electricity supply, and residents and businesses can exercise that choice at any time: ● Participants may switch between Newport Community Electricity options at any time, such as to the lower-priced Basic or to the 100% renewable Plus product. ● Participants may leave the program at any time and return to LRS, without fees or penalties. ● Non-participants may join the program at any time To make a change, leave or join the program, use the form at NewportCommunityElectricity.com or call the supplier, NextEra Energy Services at (877) 323-3049. To find your May meter read date, open your RI Energy bill you receive in April, go to Page 2 and just above the heading “Supply Details” you will see “Next meter reading on our about_______.” Note that for some customers, the May meter read occurs at the very end of April. Current participants do not need to take any action to remain in the program and receive the new pricing for the product in which they are currently enrolled.