
Providence Community Electricity is a municipal electricity aggregation program launched in May 2023 by the City of Providence, Rhode Island. The program aims to help community members manage electricity costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution. Providence is one of seven municipalities in Rhode Island that have launched community electricity programs, which are designed to secure cheaper electricity rates for residents and businesses while increasing the share of green energy. The electricity supplier for Providence Community Electricity is NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island, and customers have the option to increase or decrease the percentage of renewable energy in their supply.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 2023 |
| Aim | Help community members manage electricity costs, increase renewable energy use, and reduce carbon pollution |
| Type | Municipal electricity aggregation |
| Operated by | City of Providence |
| Authorized by | R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-3-1.2 |
| Electricity supplier | NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island (NextEra) |
| Benefits | Cheaper electricity rates, more renewable energy |
| Eligible customers | Providence residents and businesses |
| Opt-out option | Yes |
| Billing | Rhode Island Energy |
| Delivery and power grid | Rhode Island Energy |
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What You'll Learn

The program's aim is to help community members manage electricity costs
The Providence Community Electricity Program is a municipal electricity aggregation program launched in May 2023. The program aims to help community members manage electricity costs by offering competitive or below-market electricity supply rates.
The idea behind aggregation is that a city or town can negotiate with power companies to secure better rates to supply electricity to the entire community. By aggregating demand, the community can increase its buying power and leverage this to negotiate lower rates from suppliers. This strategy has been successfully implemented in other states, such as Massachusetts, and is expected to result in long-term savings for residents.
In the case of Providence, the electricity supplier for the community electricity program is NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island (NextEra). NextEra was able to offer lower rates than the previous supplier, Rhode Island Energy, by cutting out one profit-making link in the chain. Residents can compare monthly costs using an online calculator provided by the city and choose between different program options to find the best rate for their needs.
While the primary goal of the program is to reduce electricity costs for residents, it also has the added benefit of increasing the use of renewable energy. The default supply under the program includes 10% more renewable energy than the state minimum, and residents have the option to increase or decrease the percentage of renewable energy in their supply, with rates ranging from 9.2 cents to 12.3 cents per kwh. The program also aims to support the development of local renewable energy sources within New England.
Overall, the Providence Community Electricity Program is designed to help community members manage their electricity costs by providing competitive rates, increasing the use of renewable energy, and offering flexibility in choosing the best option for their needs.
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It increases renewable energy use
The Providence Community Electricity Program is a community choice aggregation program launched in May 2023. The program aims to help community members manage electricity costs, increase renewable energy use, and reduce carbon pollution.
The program is designed to expand consumer choice by offering Providence residents and businesses competitive or below-market electricity supply rates, while also accelerating the growth of local renewable energy in Rhode Island and New England. The electricity supplier for Providence Community Electricity is NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island (NextEra). NextEra provides electricity supply rates that are lower than Rhode Island Energy and include more renewable energy.
The default supply and pricing for NextEra's contract include 10% more renewable energy than the state minimum, and ratepayers can choose to increase or decrease the percentage of renewable energy in their individual supply. Customers can also choose to remain on the community plan and select a lower rate with no additional renewable energy, increase renewable energy to 50% of their supply, or opt for 100% renewable energy.
The Providence Community Electricity Program sources its voluntary renewable energy from solar, wind, anaerobic digestion, and low-impact hydro sources located only within New England. The program is committed to sourcing renewable energy only from within New England, including solar projects in North Providence and Johnston, and wind turbines in Providence and Coventry.
By banding together with other communities, Providence increases its negotiating power with power companies, securing better rates and increasing the chances of paying less than Rhode Island Energy charges. The program is expected to save ratepayers money and increase the state's use of renewable energy.
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It reduces carbon pollution
The Providence Community Electricity Program is a community choice aggregation program launched in May 2023. The program aims to help community members manage electricity costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and significantly, reduce carbon pollution.
The program is designed to expand consumer choice by offering Providence residents and businesses competitive or below-market electricity supply rates. This is achieved by negotiating with power companies to secure better rates for the entire community, including all homes, businesses, and public properties. This bulk purchase of power increases the chances of paying less than standard rates.
The electricity supplier for the Providence Community Electricity Program is NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island (NextEra). NextEra provides electricity supply rates that are lower than Rhode Island Energy and include 10% more renewable energy than the state minimum. This increase in renewable energy sources is a crucial step in reducing carbon pollution.
The program also offers customers the option to increase or decrease the percentage of renewable energy in their supply, impacting prices. Customers who choose to participate in the program will continue to receive their electricity bill from Rhode Island Energy, which will reflect their participation in Providence's program.
By providing competitive pricing and increasing the use of renewable energy, the Providence Community Electricity Program is taking a significant step towards reducing carbon pollution and addressing the community's energy needs.
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It offers competitive or below-market electricity supply rates
The Providence Community Electricity Program is a municipal electricity aggregation program launched in May 2023 by the City of Providence. The program aims to help community members manage electricity costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution.
One of the key benefits of the Providence Community Electricity Program is that it offers competitive or below-market electricity supply rates. This means that residents and businesses in Providence can expect to pay less for their electricity compared to standard rates. The program achieves this by negotiating with power companies and securing bulk-purchase discounts for the entire community. This collective purchasing power allows the program to obtain lower rates than individuals could typically get on their own.
The program also provides customers with the option to choose their level of renewable energy supply, which can impact pricing. Customers can remain on the community plan and select from various renewable energy options. These options include a lower rate with no additional renewable energy (9.2 cents per kWh), 50% renewable energy (10.2 cents per kWh), or 100% renewable energy (12.3 cents per kWh). The default supply includes 10% more renewable energy than the state minimum, and customers can choose to adjust this percentage according to their preferences and budget.
The Providence Community Electricity Program's supplier is NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island (NextEra). NextEra was selected as the electricity supplier for the program due to its ability to offer competitive rates and a higher percentage of renewable energy than other suppliers. The program's pricing is designed to be transparent and accessible, with a monthly cost calculator available on the official website. This calculator allows residents to compare the costs of different program options and make informed choices about their electricity supply.
Overall, the Providence Community Electricity Program's competitive or below-market electricity supply rates are a significant advantage for the community. By offering lower rates, the program helps residents and businesses manage their electricity costs effectively. Additionally, the program's focus on renewable energy and customer choice empowers individuals to make sustainable decisions and contribute to the reduction of carbon pollution in Providence.
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Customers can opt-out at any time
Providence Community Electricity is a municipal electricity aggregation program launched in May 2023. The program aims to help community members manage electricity costs, increase the use of renewable energy, and reduce carbon pollution. Seven Rhode Island cities and towns have joined together to secure cheaper electricity rates for residents and businesses, while also increasing the share of green energy.
The program is optional, and customers can opt out at any time without penalty. Residents who receive a notification letter about joining the program will also be informed of their option to opt out. If a customer chooses to participate in the program, Rhode Island Energy will follow up with a notice confirming their supplier change.
Customers who opt out will continue to receive their electricity bill from Rhode Island Energy, which will still be responsible for delivering electricity and responding to power outages. Customers who remain on the community plan can choose from various rates with different percentages of renewable energy, with higher percentages of renewable energy resulting in higher rates.
The electricity supplier for the Providence Community Electricity program is NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island (NextEra). The contract with NextEra sets the default supply and pricing to include 10% more renewable energy than the state minimum. Customers can choose to increase or decrease the percentage of renewable energy in their supply, which will impact the price.
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Frequently asked questions
The Providence Community Electricity Program is a municipal electricity aggregation program launched in May 2023. It is designed to help community members manage electricity costs, increase renewable energy use, and reduce carbon pollution.
The program negotiates with power companies to secure better rates to supply electricity to the entire community. The city signs up for a bulk purchase of power, which increases the chances of paying less than individual residents would pay.
If you are a Providence resident or business currently using Rhode Island Energy's Last Resort Service, you will be automatically enrolled in the Providence Community Electricity Program. You will receive a letter notifying you of your upcoming enrollment and instructions on how to opt out if you choose to do so.

























