Rhode Island's aggressive renewable energy mandate, which requires utilities to source 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2033 — the most ambitious timeline in the nation — is facing increasing criticism from ratepayers, business groups, and a growing number of lawmakers who argue that the policy is driving up electricity costs without a credible plan to ensure grid reliability.

The mandate, enacted as part of the Act on Climate in 2021, requires National Grid and other utilities to procure an increasing percentage of their power from offshore wind, solar, and other renewable sources each year. The policy has been a centerpiece of Governor McKee's climate agenda and has been praised by environmental groups as a model for other states.

But the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council released a report this week finding that the renewable energy mandate has contributed an estimated 3.2 cents per kilowatt-hour to Rhode Island's electricity rates — accounting for approximately 12 percent of the state's rate premium over the national average. The report also found that the mandate's 2033 deadline is "technically feasible but economically challenging," requiring an estimated $4.2 billion in new renewable energy infrastructure investment over the next seven years.

"We support clean energy, but we need to be honest about the costs," said RIPEC's Michael DiBiase. "Rhode Island ratepayers are already paying the highest electricity prices in the continental United States. Policies that add to that burden need to be carefully evaluated."

State Sen. Jessica de la Cruz, R-North Smithfield, has introduced legislation to extend the 100 percent renewable deadline to 2040, arguing that the additional seven years would allow for a more orderly and cost-effective transition. The bill has drawn opposition from environmental groups but has attracted several Democratic co-sponsors.