Rhode Island Residents Seek Alternatives as Heating Costs Soar

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 7:23 GMT by KUTV
      Locales: Rhode Island, UNITED STATES

Rhode Island Residents Turn to Alternative Heating as Energy Crisis Deepens

Portsmouth, RI - The frigid grip of winter has tightened on Rhode Island, but it's not just the temperature that's causing concern. Soaring home heating costs are squeezing residents' budgets, driving a significant surge in demand for alternative heating methods. From traditional firewood to modern pellet stoves, Rhode Islanders are increasingly seeking ways to stay warm without facing crippling energy bills. Businesses specializing in these alternatives are struggling to keep up, highlighting a growing energy crisis with potentially long-term implications.

Susan Gauthier, a Portsmouth resident, exemplifies the widespread financial strain. "I can't even begin to tell you how much more my bill has been," she stated, echoing the anxieties of many. "I'm trying to cut back on a lot of things, but heating is not an option." This sentiment reflects a difficult reality: heating isn't a luxury, but a necessity, and residents are actively seeking viable alternatives when faced with unsustainable costs.

The most immediate response has been a dramatic increase in demand for firewood, wood-burning stoves, and pellet stoves. Bob Lantzes, owner of Hearthside Fireplace in Warwick, has witnessed this shift firsthand. "We've seen a huge spike, especially in wood sales," he explained. "People are realizing the cost of oil and propane is just too high, and they're looking for alternatives." This isn't simply a trend; it's a recalibration of how homeowners approach winter heating, potentially signaling a lasting change in energy consumption habits.

However, the transition isn't without its challenges. The global supply chain continues to present obstacles. Lantzes noted that many stoves are currently on backorder, creating frustrating delays for customers eager to switch to alternative heating sources. The increased demand is also depleting firewood supplies rapidly. "We're struggling to keep up with the demand," Lantzes admitted, highlighting the limitations of a system unprepared for such a rapid increase in reliance on these methods.

The appeal of alternative heating extends beyond just financial savings. Many view these options as offering a degree of energy independence, shielding them from the volatility of fossil fuel markets. Wood and pellets, while not entirely free, represent a more predictable and often cheaper long-term investment compared to oil or propane, particularly given the recent geopolitical factors influencing energy prices. This desire for control over energy costs is a significant driver of the current trend.

Experts emphasize the importance of safety when utilizing alternative heating methods. "Make sure you have your chimneys inspected and cleaned, and that your carbon monoxide detectors are working," Lantzes cautioned. "And never leave a fire unattended." These reminders are crucial, as increased use of wood-burning appliances can lead to a rise in chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning if proper precautions aren't taken. Local fire departments are preparing for a potential increase in related calls, and residents are urged to prioritize safety.

The surge in demand for alternative heating isn't limited to residential customers. Landlords are also feeling the pressure to offer more affordable heating options to tenants. Some are exploring bulk discounts on wood pellets or even incentivizing tenants to switch to wood-burning stoves, though this often requires significant upfront investment and adherence to local building codes.

Looking ahead, the situation doesn't appear to be improving anytime soon. Forecasts suggest that heating costs will remain elevated for the foreseeable future, driven by global energy shortages and geopolitical instability. This means that the trend towards alternative heating is likely to continue, and potentially accelerate. Rhode Island's government is facing increasing calls to invest in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency programs to alleviate the long-term burden on residents. Without proactive measures, the state risks a widening energy affordability gap, leaving vulnerable populations particularly susceptible to the escalating costs.

Beyond the immediate crisis, the current situation raises important questions about Rhode Island's energy infrastructure and its reliance on fossil fuels. The increased interest in alternative heating could be a catalyst for greater investment in sustainable energy solutions, creating a more resilient and affordable energy future for the state.