Commending Rhode Island Energy and Local Utility Workers on Restoration Efforts During Extreme Winter Weather Events

WHEREAS, Extreme weather patterns present serious risk to the wellbeing of Rhode Islanders and their property, as well as to vital infrastructure, including our energy systems; and

WHEREAS, The 2025-2026 winter season challenged Rhode Island with unseasonably low temperatures, strong winds, and record levels of snowfall; and

WHEREAS, In January 2026, Winter Storm Fern impacted more than half of the U.S. – including Rhode Island – with severe weather that led to more than one million power outages nationwide; and

WHEREAS, The regional grid operator, ISO-New England, acknowledged on February rd that “New England’s power system experienced its most challenging operating conditions since the winter of 2017/2018,” adding that “Prolonged cold temperatures drove consumer demand for electricity sharply upward, both at peak moments and in overall usage, placing sustained pressure on the power system”; and

WHEREAS, Throughout that extreme cold and at other relevant times this winter, Rhode Island Energy’s union and non-union natural gas workers kept the system running and gas flowing to homes and businesses across the State; and

WHEREAS, On February 22, 2026, a State of Emergency was declared in Rhode Island and other New England states in advance of Winter Storm Hernando, which ultimately shattered previous snowfall records; and

WHEREAS, Winter Storm Hernando brought heavy snow accumulations of more than three feet, blizzard conditions for 10 hours, and wind gusts over 70 mph, knocking down trees, damaging power lines, and causing substantial damage to the grid, including 50,000 power outages in Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Traveling conditions, blocked roads, road closures, snow drifts, and massive snow accumulations created challenging conditions for restoration; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to Rhode Island Energy’s commitment to safe and reliable energy systems and the dedication and perseverance of its more than 1,300 union and nonunion employees, the Ocean State was prepared to respond to widespread damage and power outages; and

WHEREAS, Throughout Winter Storm Hernando, Rhode Island Energy deployed hundreds of crews across the state to assess damage, clean up debris, and restore power amid some of the most severe winter weather Rhode Island has ever experienced; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island Energy restored power to more than 99% of the over 50,000 customers impacted in under 48 hours following historic blizzard conditions; and

WHEREAS, Prudent investments in critical energy infrastructure are essential to hardening local energy systems against extreme weather events and the effects of climate change; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes and commends Rhode Island Energy and its workforce, including essential utility personnel, for their efforts to restore power and helping to keep Rhode Islanders safe during Winter Storm Hernando and other extreme weather events; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Greg Cornett, President of Rhode Island Energy.