Electric Rates Increasing- But State Relief Is On The Way

Governor Dan McKee announced new funding on Wednesday to provide relief on winter heating costs for the upcoming season.

The action came after the Public Utilities Commission approved a rate hike for winter electricity consumption.

McKee's office says three-million dollars from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is being provided for direct rate relief to nearly 39-thousand low-income Rhode Island residents.

The preliminary numbers indicate that electric bills could go up by about $32 a month while the State relief could amount to about $25 or so per month.

(Photo credit should read GUILLAUME SOUVANT/AFP via Getty Images)