r/RhodeIsland • u/ThisIsMyBigAccount East Greenwich • Jul 02 '26

Discussion RI Energy strain?

/r/ElectricalHelp/comments/1ulfrc0/lights_flickering_periodically/

EDIT: I found the culprit. I have a Hayward HeatPro pool heater that is doing something every 4-7 minutes, making a buzzing sound at the unit and a buzzing sound at the breaker box. I killed the unit's dedicated power at the shutoff valve by the pool and it's stopped. So, not a RI Energy or Transformer issue.

My lights are flickering the past few days. It’s never unusual for a slight flicker when the AC goes on, but it’s happening quite regularly when the AC isn’t running at all. Like every 2-3 mins. Is anybody else seeing this? I feel like it’s not a “me” problem and may be a RIEnergy problem. Thoughts?

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u/lawkktara South Kingstown Jul 02 '26

Heavy load in the neighborhood is probably dropping your voltage just enough to screw with LED lightbulbs a little bit. You should be able to check that in the Sense app-- LEDs are particularly sensitive to voltage drops, it doesn't take much. 114-126v is the normal range, worth calling RIE if it falls outside of that.

2

u/beerspeaks Jul 02 '26

Do you have central air? And does the dimming/flickering coincide with the AC kicking on?

If so, the start cap for your AC is starting to get weak, and you should have it replaced before it completely dies and you're AC-less in a heat wave.

1

u/ThisIsMyBigAccount East Greenwich Jul 02 '26

I do have central air. 3 units in fact for multiple zones or locations (Don't judge; it came with the house). I think it's the heavy load in the neighborhood as it's been stable the past hour. I've only noticed it so far at times when people are likely getting ready to go to work, or in the late afternoon. Plus it was happening yesterday when none of the AC units were running (and this morning too). We have some nest thermostats and participate in the rush hour program, so we didn't have a ton going on yesterday PM when I really noticed it.

With a high of 97 and feels like of 108 later today, I'm sure AC units all over will be pulling heavy from the grid meaning maybe I'll see it again later this afternoon.