Compare Utility Providers in Providence, RI

Top 6 Electric Providers in Providence

Natural Gas Providers in Providence

Top 9 Internet Providers in Providence

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Providence

Top 4 Trash and Recycling Providers in Providence

Utilities Summary for Providence, RI

Electric Companies:	6
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:

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.

Providence Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Providence

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.