PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Electric bills are set to get more expensive for Rhode Islanders in less than a month. The state public utilities commission approved a new pricing proposal from Rhode Island Energy. The residential electric rate will climb to 16.4 cents per kilowatt starting on October 1 and will last through March. The current summer rate is 10.37 per kilowatt. Rhode Island Energy is pointing out it’s still a decrease from last winter’s rate of 17.74 per kilowatt. Rhode Island Energy does have discount rates for low-income customers as well as forgiveness and grant programs. LRS Electric customers will also see a rate hike, but according to the public utilities commission, low income customers will see six months of credits of $23.47 starting in November running through April. This adds up to about $140 total. Categories: News, Rhode Island