Rhode Island Energy Prepared for February Winter Storm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (February 21, 2026) - Rhode Island Energy (RIE) is prepared for a winter storm expected to impact Rhode Island Sunday evening through Monday, bringing gusting winds and heavy snowfall into the region.

The primary concerns associated with this storm include potentially hazardous wind gusts of up to 60 mph along the coast and 55 mph inland, and snow accumulations between 6 and 20 inches. Wind gusts and heavy, wet snow can damage trees and knock down power lines, causing power outages in affected areas. In areas impacted by significant damage, customers should be prepared for potential extended outage durations. Inclement weather is forecasted through Monday, with calmer weather anticipated on Tuesday.

"RIE has been tracking this storm for several days, and we have secured additional crews and personnel who stand ready to respond to any impacts the weather may bring," said Kathy Castro, Vice President of Electric Operations at RIE. "In the event of outages, our crews and support teams will be working around the clock to restore service as quickly and safely as conditions allow."

RIE has prepared for the storm by securing over 330 internal and external crews and additional personnel as part of the company's emergency response operations and preparedness activities. This includes overhead and underground line workers for distribution and transmission restoration, tree-trimming crews, wires-down personnel, and substation workers. As forecasts evolve, the company will continue to assess resource needs and communicate with local officials, first responders, and life support customers.

As always, the safety of our customers, communities, first responders, and crews is the top priority during any power restoration process. Crews will begin the restoration process when it is deemed safe to conduct work. For example, it is not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind gusts.

Additionally, RIE understands that during this period of extreme cold and increased energy usage, affordability is top of mind. Customers are encouraged to explore RIEnergy.com/toolkit and take advantage of the various programs and services to help save energy, manage bills, and access financial assistance.

RIE offers the following tips and reminders:

Customers Should Stay Connected:

• Report power outages at RIEnergy.com/outage or call our Contact Center at 1-855-743-1101
• Use your mobile device to report an outage by texting OUTAGE to 743674 and text STATUS to 743674 to check on the status of your outage
• Follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram to stay connected with the latest storm and restoration updates
• Find restoration updates and view outages in your area by checking the RIE Outage Map
• Learn more about the restoration process

Downed Powerline Safety:

• Never touch downed power lines and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to RIE or your local emergency response organization.
• Stay at least 30 feet away (at least two full pole spans) from all downed wires and keep others from going near them. Never attempt to clear debris, perform maintenance, or try to move downed power lines.
• Never touch a person or an object that is in contact with a downed line, as electricity can pass through to you.
• Take caution when approaching fallen trees, which could have power lines caught in them.
• Remember that water can conduct electricity. If you see a line down in a puddle or flooded area, avoid contact with the water to prevent risk of shock.
• Make safety your top priority when you see a downed wire. Call 911 or RIE at 1-855-743-1101 to report it immediately and keep yourself and others away from the scene.

Stay Safe:

• Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an excellent idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food
• People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let RIE know. To register as a life support customer, call the company's Contact Center at 1-855-743-1101
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and others who may need assistance during an outage
• If the power is out, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights - do not use candles, which can pose a fire hazard
• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power

Gas Safety:

If you suspect a natural gas leak:

• Get Out - All occupants should leave the house immediately - do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason
• Call Us - After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call the RIE 24-hour gas emergency number for Rhode Island: 1-800-640-1595
• Stay Out - Do not return to your home until RIE tells you it is safe

About Rhode Island Energy

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity and natural gas. Our team of more than 1,300 employees is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive, while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions.

For more information visit www.RIEnergy.com and stay connected on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.