Protesters gathered outside the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission on a Saturday afternoon, calling for transparency from Rhode Island Energy, WJAR reported.
Central Falls City Council member Laurilim Rosado spoke with NBC 10 Cate Hanewich outside of Rhode Island Energy in Warwick on Saturday about concerns over high delivery fees.
Demonstrators asserted that delivery fees frequently outpace the actual cost of electricity used. Rosado highlighted the financial burden placed on households, stating, There’s families paying for the regular energy [as low as] $50, $60, but the delivery fee is more than $70 and up.
Rosado described personal struggles with the utility costs, noting that residents are left Deciding, I feed my family or I pay the electric bill.
She shared that her mother, who relies on an oxygen machine, experienced a power shutoff after falling two months behind on payments. The delivery charges are too high to have her in the condition that she needs,
Rosado said.
Emphasizing the broader mission of the demonstration, Rosado added, Our families are in need and deserve respect.
She further stated, We’re asking for questions, answering questions …and holding accountable Rhode Island Energy.
In response to the concerns raised by protesters in Warwick, Rhode Island Energy explained that its delivery charges support the construction, maintenance and safe operation of critical infrastructure across Rhode Island,
which encompasses power lines, equipment, and storm cleanup.
The utility company stated that it will provide bill credits to some customers over the course of the winter.
