National Grid Needs To Answer For Frequent Outages: RI Lawmaker

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island lawmaker is calling for National Grid to answer for frequent power outages across the state. Rep. Katherine Kazarian is urging the company to determine the cause and fix the issues.

"Frankly, it has gotten to the point that whenever there is a little bit of rain and wind, everyone is concerned about whether the power will stay on or not," Kazarian said. "And for the amount of money we pay for power, which is one of the highest rates in the country, these constant service outages are unacceptable."

Kazarian cited four outages in her district, East Providence, over the past eight months, while Seekonk, Massachusetts, just over the border, kept its lights on for the most part during these storms. The criticism comes just two days after a powerful coastal storm knocked out power to more than 32,000 National Grid customers across the state.

"National Grid must fix this persistent and damaging problem," she continued. "This year has already been devastating for so many and these power outages are piling on top of already very serious worries and problems."

Power outages cause disruptions for those trying to learn or work at home, Kazarian said, and food spoilage caused by prolonged outages can further strain budgets stretched thin by the pandemic.

The lawmaker went on to excoriate the company for raising rates.

"To think that National Grid is once again trying to increase our rates for their horrendously unreliable service is shameful and there should be no further rate hikes until National Grid proves that they are capable of delivering reliable power service," Kazarian concluded.