WARWICK, R.I. – For the third year in a row, Rhode Island residents are in for some serious sticker shock when they open their utility bills. Earlier this summer, Rhode Island Energy, the main electric and natural gas company in the state, unveiled its winter electric rates for the upcoming season. Starting Oct. 1 the company proposed raising the electric rate by 22% compared to the current summer rate that has been in place since April. If approved by state regulators, it would be the third winter in a row of steep rate hikes.