- Unlimited Data with Qualifying Plans
- Free panaromic Wi-Fi for 2 years
- Free Cox Security Suite powered by McAfee
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Plans starting at $30/month
Top 5 Electric Providers in Providence
Electricity in Providence is delivered and billed by Rhode Island Energy, and we suggest starting your service at least three to five business days before you move in by calling. Because Rhode Island is a “deregulated” state, you actually have the power to choose who supplies your electricity, while Rhode Island Energy will always handle the wires and power outages, you can shop around for a competitive supplier with lower rates or more renewable energy options.
- 13.99¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 15.79¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 15.9¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 14.57¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 11.09¢ /kWh
See Top Plans in Your Area
Natural Gas Providers in Providence
Natural gas is also managed by Rhode Island Energy, which makes it very convenient to bundle your energy setup into one simple phone call or online session. We recommend confirming that your gas service is active at least one week before your move to ensure your heat and hot water are ready for that first New England night.
Top 9 Internet Providers in Providence
Internet options are plentiful in the city, with Cox, Verizon Fios, and Astound Broadband being the primary high-speed providers for most residential areas. We recommend checking for “new neighbor” promotions at least two weeks before your move to lock in a great rate and secure an installation date that fits your schedule.
- 2.3 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 91.03%
- $49.99/mo
- 2 Gbps
- Cable
- 1.25 TB
- TV & Phone
- 91.84%
- $30.00/mo
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 92.35%
- $50.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 92.35%
- $47.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 92.35%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- Limited%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
Water & Sewage Providers in Providence
Water service is handled by Providence Water, and the setup process is typically initiated during the closing process if you are buying a home. If you are renting, the water bill often remains in the landlord’s name, but we suggest calling (401) 521-5070 to verify the account status and ensure there are no outstanding balances from a previous tenant.
Top 4 Trash and Recycling Providers in Providence
Trash and recycling collection is a city-run service managed by the Providence Department of Public Works, so you do not need to set up a separate account. If your new home is missing its “Big Blue” recycling bin or “Big Green” trash cart, you can simply call 311 or use the PVD 311 app to request a new set for your curb at no extra cost.
Utilities Summary for Providence, RI
| Electric Companies: | 5 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 1 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 1 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 4 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Explore Utility Providers in Providence
Providence, Rhode Island’s charming and historic capital, known for its rich colonial heritage, thriving arts scene, and beautiful riverfront views. Whether you’re settling into one of its classic triple-decker homes or a sleek downtown apartment, getting your utilities set up is one of the first big tasks. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about electricity, natural gas, water, trash services, internet providers, green energy options, and financial assistance, all tailored for someone new to the Ocean State’s capital city.
Electricity in Providence
Electricity service in Providence is delivered by Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid). While Rhode Island Energy manages the poles and wires and delivers electricity to your home, Rhode Island is a deregulated state, meaning you can choose a third-party electricity supplier for the supply portion of your bill.
Energy Efficiency Programs
Rhode Island Energy participates in EnergyWise and Energy Star® programs through Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and RISE Engineering, offering:
- Free home energy assessments
- Rebates on high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, smart thermostats, and lighting
- Up to 100% of the cost for insulation and air sealing based on eligibility
Choosing a Supplier (Electricity Deregulation)
You can shop for electricity supply from certified competitive suppliers. These suppliers offer fixed-rate or variable-rate plans and may include renewable energy options.
Top Electricity Suppliers in Providence
- Direct Energy: Competitive fixed rates, green energy plans
- Constellation: Offers fixed-rate stability and renewable options
- Verde Energy: 100% renewable energy plans
- Rhode Island Energy Standard Offer: Default supply if you don’t select a third-party provider
Tips for Choosing a Supplier
- Compare rates per kWh and contract terms carefully
- Avoid early termination fees if you anticipate moving again soon
- Consider a renewable energy plan for a greener footprint
Natural Gas in Providence
Natural gas service in Providence is also managed by Rhode Island Energy. Unlike electricity, natural gas is not deregulated for residential customers in Rhode Island (just commercial), so you must use Rhode Island Energy as your supplier and distributor.
Natural Gas Services and Rebates
Rhode Island Energy offers rebates and incentives for:
- ENERGY STAR® gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters
- Weatherization and air sealing
- Smart thermostats
You can schedule a free energy audit to determine which rebates your home qualifies for. Many rebates are instant and can be applied through approved contractors.
Water and Sewer in Providence
Water service in Providence is handled by the Providence Water Supply Board, which sources drinking water from the Scituate Reservoir, Rhode Island’s largest freshwater body. Sewer services are managed by the Narragansett Bay Commission.
Providence Water Supply Board
- Offers online account management, conservation tips, and water quality reports
- Provides leak detection assistance and low-income payment plans
Narragansett Bay Commission
- Manages sewer services and stormwater drainage
- Offers Clean Water Action programs and educational outreach for water protection
Both organizations encourage water conservation and offer educational resources for new residents looking to reduce consumption.
Trash and Recycling in Providence
The City of Providence provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection for residents in one-to-four unit homes.
Key Information:
- Trash pickup is weekly and must be in city-provided bins (gray for trash, green for recycling)
- Recycling is single-stream, no sorting required!
- Yard waste is collected seasonally (April–December)
- Bulky items can be scheduled for pickup through the Mayor’s Center for City Services
Residents are encouraged to download the Recycle Together RI app to view collection schedules and recycling rules.
Top Internet Providers in Providence
Providence offers a competitive selection of internet providers, whether you need ultra-fast fiber or a more affordable cable connection. Availability may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Top Internet Providers:
- Verizon Fios
- Wide availability, covering around 91% of the city
- Fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Great for streaming, gaming, or working from home
- Bundles with mobile plans for discounts
- Cox Communications
- Also covers about 91% of the city
- Cable internet with speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps
- Offers TV and phone bundles
- Panoramic WiFi upgrades available
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Wireless home internet with no annual contract
- Great for renters or those without wired service
- Bundle with mobile phone service to save
Green Energy and Conservation
Rhode Island has made substantial progress in clean energy, with goals for 100% renewable electricity by 2033. Residents can contribute through state programs or personal upgrades.
Ways to Go Green:
- Choose a third-party supplier offering 100% renewable energy
- Enroll in Renewable Energy Growth Program through Rhode Island Energy to sell back solar power
- Apply for solar rebates and incentives via Commerce RI’s Renewable Energy Fund
- Use ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and smart thermostats to lower your carbon footprint
Rhode Island also has statewide climate goals, and Providence participates in Resilient PVD, a citywide initiative to build climate resilience and reduce emissions.
Financial Assistance Programs for Utilities in Providence
Utility bills can add up, but there are several city and state programs to help eligible residents keep the lights on and homes warm.
Key Assistance Programs:
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Provides help with heating and cooling bills for income-eligible households
Apply through Community Action Partnership of Providence County - Good Neighbor Energy Fund
A utility-sponsored program for households that don’t qualify for LIHEAP but are still facing financial hardship - Rhode Island Energy Discount Rate
Eligible customers can receive a 25%-30% discount on electric and gas bills
Apply directly through Rhode Island Energy’s customer service - Water and Sewer Discount Programs
Offered through Providence Water and the Narragansett Bay Commission for low-income seniors and disabled residents
If you’re struggling to pay bills, it’s a good idea to contact your utility providers early, many offer flexible payment plans or budget billing options to ease monthly costs.
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Providence Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Providence
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
Check Availability |
| Cox | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Providence Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Providence's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 60 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
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Legal limit: No Limit Set
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How does "Energy Choice" work in Providence?
Since Rhode Island is a deregulated state, you have the power to choose who supplies your electricity. While Rhode Island Energy will always deliver the power and handle repairs, you can shop for a supplier that offers a lower rate or a higher percentage of renewable energy. We recommend visiting Empower RI, the state’s official comparison site, to see your options — it is a great way to support local green energy!
What should I do if I smell gas in my new home?
Your safety is the most important thing! If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, do not turn on any lights, use a phone inside, or light a match. Evacuate everyone from the building immediately and, once you are at a safe distance, call 911 and the Rhode Island Energy emergency line at (800) 640-1595.
Is there a "Cold Weather Rule" in Rhode Island?
Yes, there is. From Nov. 1 through April 15, Rhode Island Energy generally cannot shut off your heat or electricity if you are “financially hardship protected” or have a serious illness in the house. However, you must still communicate with them to set up a payment plan, we always suggest calling them early if you think you might fall behind during the winter months.
Is the tap water in Providence safe to drink?
Generally, yes! Providence Water gets its supply from the Scituate Reservoir, and it is consistently rated as some of the best water in the region. However, because many Providence homes were built before 1950, there is a chance your service line could be made of lead. We recommend checking the Providence Water Lead Service Map or requesting a free lead test kit by calling (401) 521-5070.
Do I need to pay for water if I am renting?
In most Providence rentals, the landlord pays the water bill. However, some newer leases or single-family rentals might pass that cost on to you. Be sure to double-check your lease agreement before you move in so you aren’t surprised by an extra bill in the mail.
How do I get rid of large items like a mattress or a sofa?
Providence allows for “bulky item” pickup, but you have to schedule it in advance. You can call 311 or use the PVD 311 app to make an appointment. Just a heads-up: there is a small fee for certain items, usually around $25 for a mattress, and you must wrap mattresses in plastic before they hit the curb.
What do I do if my new home is missing its trash or recycling bins?
If you arrive and find your “Big Blue” (recycling) or “Big Green” (trash) bins are missing, the city has you covered. You can request a replacement bin through the PVD 311 system. We love that the city makes it easy to keep our streets clean and our recycling sorted!
Does trash pickup change for holidays?
It does. In Providence, if a holiday falls on a weekday, the trash and recycling schedule usually “slides” one day later for the rest of the week. If you are ever unsure, the PVD 311 app is a fantastic neighbor to have on your phone for real-time updates.
Which internet provider is the fastest in Providence?
Most of our neighbors choose between Verizon Fios and Cox, though Astound Broadband is also a popular choice in certain pockets of the city. If you are looking for the most reliable speeds for working from home, we suggest checking if Fios is available at your specific address about two weeks before you move.
Are there programs to help with my utility bills?
Absolutely. We want to make sure everyone in our community stays warm and connected. You can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through your local Community Action Agency. Additionally, Rhode Island Energy offers a Low Income Rate that can provide a significant discount on your monthly electric and gas bills if you qualify.