The information on this page should help people who currently use propane gas in their home, or who need a propane supply agreement, better understand the Rhode Island (RI) propane market. However, the only true way to have an accurate picture is to compare quotes between different companies since they will be adapted to your needs.

Propane usage and spending in Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) residents using propane consume 318 gallons of gas every year on average, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The EIA goes on to indicate that average propane spending is $916 per year and propane spending on heating stands at an average of $1,182 per year.

The following table illustrates that Rhode Island (RI) propane consumers use a little less propane every year than the national average but it costs quite a lot more. This stems from Rhode Island’s distance from the US’s two major propane supply sources that are the Midwest and the Gulf Coast but also from the fact that Rhode Island has a relatively cold climate. Both of these issues push propane prices upwards.

	Rhode Island	US
Average propane price (2012-2013 winter season)	$3.439	$2.436
Propane usage per household (gallons)	318	464
Propane spending per household (dollars)	916	973
Propane spending per household on heating (dollars)	1,182	957
Electricity usage per household (kWh)	7,940	11,320
Electricity spending per household (dollars)	1,418	1,340
Electricity spending per household on heating (dollars)	209	222
Natural gas usage per household (thousand cubic feet)	76	66
Natural gas spending per household (dollars)	1,168	804
Natural gas spending per household on heating (dollars)	1,009	607
Average energy spending per household (dollars)	2,949	2,024
Average energy spending per household on heating (dollars)	1,266	N/A

Propane prices in Rhode Island (RI)

The Rhode Island (RI) propane price was an average of $3.439 per gallon over the 2012/2013 winter season (when people use propane the most – for heating). This is an entire dollar higher than the $2.436 national average because of the reasons mentioned above (distance from supply sources and climate).

When looking around for a propane supplier, check the graph below. Propane companies should have prices per gallon that follow regional pricing trends and you might want to verify this as you ask for detailed quotes from different companies.

Propane companies operating in Rhode Island (RI)

Ferrellgas, Amerigas and Suburban Propane all have locations in Rhode Island (RI). Many smaller companies also operate in RI, like Paraco Gas, Superior Plus Energy Services, Eastern Propane, Consumer Propane, etc. Furthermore, there may be smaller companies or cooperatives in your area.

The best way to find the right propane deal for your home is to make a list of local propane dealers. Your request for detailed quotes from the local dealers that interest you should be based on an assessment of the products your home will need in terms of propane: pricing, usage, budget planning, tanks, maintenance, and other services. Comparing these quotes will help you determine which deal is most suited to your situation.

The propane industry and regulations applicable in Rhode Island (RI)

The Rhode Island Statutes, Title 23, Section 28 – Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas frames the industry’s activity regarding how propane is stored and handled by companies and consumers alike. The industry organizes its activities through the Propane Gas Association of New England when it comes to government or legislative affairs. Rhode Island (RI) consumers should know that this association also organizes Propane Education & Research Council training programs (e.g., Certified Employee Training Program), which are crucial when it comes to safety issues.