Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's average residential electricity rate is 29.5¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 48th cheapest in the country, 60% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $117 per month.
Per hour
$1.33
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$3.85
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$117
397 kWh
Per year
$1,405
4,763 kWh
By usage level in Rhode Island
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.92 | $58.52 | $703 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $3.85 | $117 | $1,405 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $7.70 | $234 | $2,810 |
Rhode Island vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric water heater in Rhode Island?
At Rhode Island's current average residential rate of 29.5¢/kWh (May 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $3.85 per day, $117 per month, or $1,405 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in Rhode Island more expensive than average?
Yes. Rhode Island's electricity costs about 60% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $117 per month here versus $73.00 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Rhode Island right now?
Rhode Island residents pay an average of 29.5¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 48th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.