Rhode Island Energy Disconnected 18,139 Customers in 2026
The expiration of COVID-era utility repayment rules led to a surge in shutoffs for Rhode Island residents and businesses.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Utilities
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Rhode Island Energy disconnected 18,139 customers between May 1 and August 31, 2026, marking the highest volume of shutoffs since 2019. The spike follows the December 31, 2025, expiration of relaxed repayment requirements that had protected account holders during the pandemic.
Why it matters
The shift signals a return to stricter credit enforcement after total utility arrearages reached $254.9 million in May 2025. Rising energy prices and the termination of minimal down payment policies have increased operational pressure on both local businesses and households managing overdue accounts.
Rhode Island Energy disconnected 18,139 customers in the four-month window through August 2026, compared to 16,748 total shutoffs during the same period in 2025. Arrearages previously climbed from $124.7 million in January 2022 to $254.9 million by May 2025.
The players
Rhode Island Energy
The primary utility provider managing electricity and natural gas distribution throughout Rhode Island.
Sam Bell
A state senator who plans to propose new legislative options to address utility bill costs in the upcoming General Assembly session.
Public Utilities Commission
The state regulatory body responsible for oversight of utility pricing, disconnection protocols, and repayment requirements.
The details
Service termination is now the primary enforcement mechanism for customers who fail to adhere to stricter repayment plans. The expiration of COVID-era rules removed protections that previously required only minimal down payments. Utility demand on help centers has surged to 11,783 calls through September 2026, as high regional natural gas prices continue to strain liquidity for those carrying balances.
Timeline
December 31, 2025: COVID-era repayment rules expired.
May 1, 2026: The winter utility shutoff moratorium was lifted.
August 31, 2026: The reported period for elevated utility disconnections ended.
November 1, 2026: The winter moratorium on utility shutoffs begins.
Market Landscape
This wave of disconnections signals a complete return to the pre-pandemic enforcement regime established by the Public Utilities Commission. The current environment marks a clear departure from the 2020 Public Utilities Commission order on relaxed repayment regulations that previously limited shutoff authorities.
Operators should review their own utility accounts to ensure current payment plans meet revised, post-pandemic requirements. Managers should also account for potential late-year billing volatility as the state transitions into the winter season.
The takeaway
The end of pandemic-era repayment protections has created a heightened risk of service disruption for businesses carrying outstanding utility balances. Operators should verify their current status with the utility provider before the winter moratorium begins on November 1.
What happens next
The General Assembly is expected to review new legislative proposals to address utility bill costs when it reconvenes, while the winter moratorium on shutoffs is set to begin on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on regional service regulations and consumer assistance, visit the Rhode Island Utilities section.
More information
For resources on managing overdue balances, visit the Rhode Island Energy customer assistance expos.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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