Rhode Island Energy Prepared for Winter Storm to Impact Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (December 18, 2025) - Rhode Island Energy (RIE) is prepared for a winter storm expected to impact Rhode Island Thursday evening through Friday, bringing high winds and steady rain into the region.

The primary concerns associated with this storm include hazardous wind gusts - potentially reaching over 60 mph and consistent rainfall. These conditions may damage trees and knock down power lines, causing power outages. Customers are encouraged to secure any holiday decorations that could be affected by high winds. Strong gusts are expected through Friday, with calmer weather anticipated on Saturday.

"We have been tracking this storm for several days and have extra crews and personnel ready to respond to any impacts from the weather," said Kathy Castro, Vice President of Electric Operations at RIE. "In the event of outages, our crews and support teams will be working for as long as needed to restore service as quickly and safely as conditions allow."

RIE is preparing for the storm by securing additional crews and 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, damage assessment and wire-down personnel, and substation workers. As forecasts evolve, the company will continue to assess resource needs.

As always, the safety of the company's customers, communities, and employees 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.

RIE Reminds Customers to Stay Connected:

• Report power outages at RIEnergy.com/outage or call RIE's Contact Center at 1-855-743-1101.
• Use a mobile device to report an outage by texting OUTAGE to 743674 and text STATUS to 743674 to check on the status of an outage.
• Follow RIE 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 and pets 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.
• 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 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.