13-02-2025
Could public power work as an alternative for R.I. by offering cheaper, more reliable energy?
We've seen this work elsewhere, too. In Hudson Valley, N.Y., where communities are exploring a public takeover of their failing utility, Central Hudson, residents are fed up with skyrocketing rates and terrible service. An independent study found that public power could cut costs by up to 37 percent while providing better reliability and faster response times. Instead of paying massive executive salaries and shareholder dividends, public utilities reinvest in infrastructure and customer service.
Let's be honest: This won't be cheap. Creating a public utility takes significant upfront investment. But
Rhode Island already has a clear example of how effective publicly owned utilities can be. The
By reinvesting its revenues back into the local system, rather than distributing profits to out-of-state shareholders, Clear River has managed to keep costs down and provide more reliable service. This is proof that public power works, right here in Rhode Island. If public power can provide cheaper and more reliable energy in Burrillville, it can work for the rest of the state too. It's time for Rhode Islanders to have the same opportunity to benefit from this model.
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Democrats across the country lost elections because people are tired of weak, incremental change. They want bold, real solutions that put them first — not utility companies, not shareholders, but them. Public power is one of those solutions. Rhode Islanders deserve the same choices as communities across the country.
Democratic state Representative Megan L. Cotter represents District 39 in Exeter, Richmond, and Hopkinton.
