Just over the Washington Bridge, East Providence runs from Watchemoket and Phillipsdale on the Seekonk River down through Rumford, Kent Heights and Riverside along Narragansett Bay.
A mix of eras
Older homes near Watchemoket Square and in Riverside sit alongside the post-war neighborhoods that make up much of the city. Riverside’s older summer-cottage streets in particular can hide small services and wiring that was added on over many decades.
Bay weather
On the water side of the city, nor’easters and tropical storms bring wind, outages and surges, and salt air is hard on outdoor connections. Outdoor fixtures and outlets need wet-location ratings, in-use covers and GFCI protection, and a generator with proper transfer equipment makes a long outage easier.
Upgrades for how people live now
Many East Providence homes are being updated with new kitchens, finished basements and central air. The panel has to keep up, and the wiring in an older house has to be checked before new loads go on it.
East Providence questions
Asked in East Providence.
Do you work in East Providence?
Yes. East Providence is just across the Seekonk River from Providence. Call (401) 753-1030 or send the request form.
Do I need surge protection near the bay?
Storms anywhere in Rhode Island can cause surges, and so can large appliances inside the home. A surge protective device at the panel helps protect electronics, appliance boards and HVAC equipment. Ask us whether your panel can take one.
Who do I call when a storm brings down a wire?
Stay at least 30 feet away, keep others away, and call Rhode Island Energy or 911. Never touch a downed line or anything it’s resting on. Call an electrician afterward for damage on your side of the meter, like a torn-off service mast.