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Heating Costs Surge as Aid Funding Plummets

9/26/2025

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Heating costs rise above inflation, with electric prices up 7% and natural gas up 8%.
Federal funding for low-income energy assistance is down $2 billion, affecting 7 million families.
Rhode Island Energy will raise electric rates on October 1 to 14.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
State Senator Mark Montigny calls for a commission to study high electricity delivery costs and affordability.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Oil Crisis triggered a surge in energy prices, leading to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which aimed to support low-income households. Today, rising heating costs, with electric prices up 7% and natural gas up 8%, reflect similar challenges, as federal energy assistance funding declines by $2 billion, impacting 7 million families and prompting renewed calls for action from lawmakers like Senator Mark Montigny.

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Story summary

Heating costs rise above inflation, with electric prices up 7% and natural gas up 8%.
Federal funding for low-income energy assistance is down $2 billion, affecting 7 million families.
Rhode Island Energy will raise electric rates on October 1 to 14.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
State Senator Mark Montigny calls for a commission to study high electricity delivery costs and affordability.

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