Eligible Rhode Island Energy customers with newly installed advanced meters can now use a free app from Sense to get a clearer, real-time view of what is driving their electric bills.
Here's what to know
According to a joint announcement from Rhode Island Energy and Sense, the feature became available on Sept. 2 for eligible customers whose advanced meters are compatible with the service.
Customers can use the app to watch their home's electricity demand rise and fall in real time. That can help reveal when heating or cooling equipment turns on, whether an appliance seems to be operating longer than expected, or if a device may have been left running.
The app can also show historical usage across multiple time periods, from a single day to an entire billing cycle, and allows customers to set alerts for unusual increases. For households keeping a close eye on expenses, that kind of feedback can make it easier to see how daily behavior connects to energy costs.
"We are committed to providing customers the tools and information they need to help them manage their energy use and make informed decisions," RIE President Greg Cornett said in the press release. "We're excited to be among the first utilities in the country to offer this capability at no additional cost to eligible customers."
More background
By using data from the meter already attached to the home, the tool makes household electricity information easier to access. Many people want to lower their power use, but a monthly bill alone often does not show which routines or appliances matter most.
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Because the system runs through the advanced meters RIE is installing throughout its service area, participating customers don't need separate monitoring hardware. That means less hassle and more efficiency for everyone involved.
The utility said that Sense has been enabled on most Landis+Gyr Revelo meters in its service area. The companies said customers whose meters are within range of their household Wi-Fi can activate the app and start monitoring immediately.
Even relatively small changes, like adjusting heating and cooling patterns, can add up over time. Using less electricity can also reduce avoidable energy waste and help ease pressure on the grid.
"The Sense app gives RIE customers timely, useful information that can help them make more informed decisions, reduce unnecessary energy use and feel more in control of their electricity bills," Sense CEO Mike Phillips said.
Where can I learn more?
Rhode Island's rollout is part of a push to give households faster, clearer feedback on electricity use and billing. If you're interested in seeing what other states are doing, these stories can provide some great insight.
• In South Carolina, a solar app showed exports before a bill claimed 900 grid kilowatt-hours.
• In Ohio, homeowners found net metering may leave much of a monthly electric bill untouched.
• In Massachusetts, solar and mini-splits left one homeowner 4,100 kWh ahead on yearly electricity use.
Even if a household doesn't use all the info that an energy tracking app provides, it can still help people question confusing charges and make smarter energy decisions.
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