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On March 7, 2026, the Rhode Island Public Utility Regulation Board announced their decision to approve a rate increase for National Grid customers in the state. The decision comes after weeks of deliberation and public hearings regarding the utility company's request for a rate hike to cover increased operating costs and investments in infrastructure upgrades.The rate increase, which is set to take effect in the coming months, will see an average increase of 3.5% in electric rates and 2.8% in gas rates for residential customers. This means that the average electric bill for National Grid customers in Rhode Island will go up by approximately $5 per month, while gas bills will increase by around $4 per month.In a statement released after the decision was made, the Public Utility Regulation Board emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of utility companies to maintain reliable service with the concerns of ratepayers who are already facing economic challenges. The board acknowledged that rate increases are never popular, but they are necessary to ensure that National Grid can continue to provide safe and reliable service to Rhode Island residents.National Grid has stated that the rate increase is necessary to cover the rising costs of maintaining and upgrading their aging infrastructure, as well as investments in renewable energy projects and grid modernization initiatives. The company has also committed to implementing programs to help low-income customers cope with higher energy bills through energy efficiency and assistance programs.While some consumer advocacy groups have criticized the decision to approve the rate increase, arguing that it will place an undue burden on already struggling households, others have expressed understanding of the need for utility companies to recover their costs in order to maintain reliable service in the long term.Overall, the approval of the rate increase for National Grid customers in Rhode Island reflects the ongoing challenges of balancing the interests of utility companies, ratepayers, and regulators in the ever-evolving energy landscape. The Public Utility Regulation Board will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with stakeholders to ensure that utility rates remain fair and reasonable for all Rhode Island residents.