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Shocking Contrast: Why Just 6 Homes Are Without Power In RI Today After A 30,000-Customer Blackout

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As of Monday, December 22, 2025, the power grid across Rhode Island is operating near full capacity, with an exceptionally low number of customers currently experiencing an electric service interruption. This calm status is a dramatic contrast to the chaos that unfolded just days ago when a powerful wind storm swept through the state, plunging tens of thousands of homes and businesses into darkness. While only a handful of isolated outages remain today, understanding the recent widespread event and maintaining a state of preparedness is crucial for all Rhode Islanders.

The utility provider, Rhode Island Energy (RIE), has successfully restored service to the vast majority of the 30,000 customers affected by the recent severe weather. This article provides the most up-to-date outage numbers for today, December 22, 2025, a deep dive into the massive wind storm that caused the widespread blackout, and an essential preparedness guide to ensure your family is ready for the next unexpected power crisis.

The Current Snapshot: Power Outages in RI Today (Dec 22, 2025)

The current state of the Rhode Island electric grid reflects a swift and effective response by utility crews following the recent severe weather event. For residents searching for "power outages in RI today," the good news is that the numbers are minimal and highly localized.

Current Outage Status (As of December 22, 2025):

  • Total Customers Without Power: Approximately 6 to 97 customers across the entire state.
  • Primary Utility Provider: Rhode Island Energy (RIE), which serves the majority of the state, including Providence County, Washington County, and Kent County.
  • Percentage of Customers Affected: Less than 0.01% of the total customer base.

The small number of remaining outages are typically isolated incidents caused by factors other than widespread weather, such as equipment failure, localized transformer issues, or ongoing repairs from the previous storm. The utility's focus has shifted from mass restoration to individual case resolution, ensuring that all remaining customers are reconnected as quickly as possible. Residents are encouraged to check the official Rhode Island Energy Outage Map for real-time, specific data for their town or neighborhood.

How to Report a Current Outage to Rhode Island Energy (RIE)

Even a single-home outage needs to be reported to ensure a crew is dispatched. Rhode Island Energy offers several convenient ways for customers to report an interruption in service:

  • Call: 1-855-743-1101 (Available 24/7 for electric outages).
  • Text: Text the word OUTAGE to 743674 (RIEMSG).
  • Online: Visit the official RIEnergy.com/outage website to report the issue and track the estimated time of restoration (ETR).

When reporting, always provide your address and any details you may have, such as hearing a loud noise, seeing a flash, or noticing a tree limb on a power line. Double reporting helps the utility guarantee storm recovery efficiency.

Why 30,000 Homes Went Dark: The December Wind Storm Aftermath

The current low outage count is only half the story. The state recently endured a major electric crisis when a powerful wind storm—forecasted by Rhode Island Energy in the days leading up to it—swept through the region.

The Massive Blackout Event:

On Friday, December 19, 2025, strong winds lashed across Rhode Island, causing a sharp surge in power outages. At its peak, nearly 30,000 homes and businesses were without electricity.

The primary cause of the widespread service interruption was wind damage. High winds caused trees and large limbs to fall onto power lines, snapping utility poles and damaging critical infrastructure. This type of damage requires extensive work, often involving tree removal, pole replacement, and re-stringing lines, which accounts for the multiple-day restoration effort.

Rhode Island Energy mobilized hundreds of internal and contract crews, working around the clock to address the thousands of individual outage locations. The quick turnaround from 30,000 customers out to fewer than 100 in just a few days is a testament to the utility's preparedness plan for severe weather, including winter storm events.

Your Essential Power Outage Preparedness and Safety Checklist

Given the recent large-scale blackout and the forecast for more winter weather, including potential snow showers later this week, preparedness is paramount. The following checklist incorporates essential safety and planning measures recommended by the RI Emergency Management Agency and Rhode Island Energy.

1. Create a Comprehensive Emergency Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit is your first line of defense against a prolonged outage. Keep it in an accessible location, such as a closet or garage, and ensure everyone in the household knows where it is.

  • Lighting: Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns. Avoid candles due to fire risk.
  • Communication: A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for updates.
  • Power Backup: Portable chargers (power banks) for cell phones and other small electronic devices.
  • Food & Water: Non-perishable food items (canned goods, energy bars) and at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days.
  • Health & Comfort: First-aid kit, prescription medications, blankets, and cash (ATMs won't work).

2. Critical Safety Protocols During a Blackout

Safety must be your top priority during any service interruption, especially if it is weather-related.

  • Downed Power Lines: Never, under any circumstances, touch a downed power line or anything it is touching. Always assume that downed wires are live and extremely dangerous. Stay at least 35 feet away and report the location immediately to Rhode Island Energy (1-855-743-1101) and local police/fire departments.
  • Generator Safety: If you use a portable generator, operate it only outdoors and away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Never plug a generator directly into your home's main electrical system (backfeeding) without a transfer switch, as this can electrocute utility workers.
  • Food Safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food will stay safe for about 4 hours in a refrigerator and 48 hours in a full freezer. When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Check on Neighbors: If the outage was caused by extreme heat or a winter storm, check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure their safety and warmth.

3. Managing Utilities and Appliances

Taking a few simple steps when the power goes out can prevent damage to your appliances and reduce the surge when power is restored.

  • Unplug Electronics: Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances like computers, televisions, and air conditioners to protect them from power surges when the electricity returns.
  • Leave One Light On: Leave one light switch in the "on" position so you know immediately when service has been restored.
  • Monitor Gas/Water: Know when and how to turn off your home's utilities (gas and water) in case of an emergency, such as a pipe burst or a gas leak.

The recent wind storm is a powerful reminder that even in a highly reliable grid, severe weather can cause massive disruptions. By staying informed, knowing how to contact Rhode Island Energy, and maintaining a robust emergency kit, Rhode Islanders can navigate future power outages with confidence and safety.

Shocking Contrast: Why Just 6 Homes Are Without Power in RI Today After a 30,000-Customer Blackout
power outages in ri today
power outages in ri today

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