FWIW, NextEra is similar to PPL, they gave strongly to Republicans while that party was in power, then hedged in 2020 and gave more or less evenly, then switched to Dems in 2022 (they were maybe more strongly associated when Republicans than PPL was in earlier cycles - albeit, some of this is before Citizens United). It’s notable that National Grid gives much less than any of the others (less than $200K total nationwide in many years), and it operates only in the Northeast US, which is a heavily Democratic area. Meanwhile, NextEra comes out of Florida and is largely a southern company. That geography undoubtedly has influence on which politicians they give to.

This isn’t to excuse any of these companies nor to suggest that their political spending is without consequence, but again, the political spending here is beside the point as the goal is cheap energy prices that match the renewable goals of the municipalities involved. That’s just not something that’s possible as individual ratepayers under the PUC arrangement with PPL. Neither of these companies is ideal, but the goal of community choice aggregation is laudable, and seems worth supporting to me (especially if it’s cheaper and greener).

Massimo (Italian), O’Dinis in East Providence (Portuguese), Wara Wara (Ramen), Dolores (Mexican - Traditional Oaxaca), Le Mai (Hot Pot), Apsara on Hope St. (Pan Asian - Thai, Cambodian), Pizza Marvin, Amaral’s in Warren RI (best fish and chips), East Side Pockets (Falafel and Pita), Ricotti’s in North Providence (Italian Grinders), Malted Barley (Beer & Pretzels), Troop (American), The District (American), Pot au Feu (French), Amaryllis (Weekly Changing Menus), Haven Brothers (RI Late Night Classic) and Olneyville NY System Restaurent (RI Weiners, get them all the way)

Enjoy Providence!

Summer rate is comparable to RIE's summer rate ($9.6ish /kWh)

Tommys Place

You can also go online to do this

If you look up on NextEra on OpenSecrets, their 2022 cycle donations were 60/40 in favor of Democrats. Earlier cycles tilt the other way but the larger point is that if you want a utility company where you're not going to support shit you disagree with, you're probably going to have to go Ted Kaczynski and find a cabin in the remote woods.

Hey OP, can I give you some unsolicited parenting advice? When my first kid was the same age as yours is, my wife and I loved going to restaurants. We kept a shoebox of rarely-used toys that we would bring with us: play doh, board books, a big crayon or other interesting things. As we were sitting at the restaurant, every 5 minutes or so we’d give him a new thing from the box and remove the old one. It was a pretty easy way to keep him entertained and let us actually talk to each other.

Probably depends on what you mean by “some” drywall but if it’s just a few sheets worth you’re most likely ok.

I'm not sure if I made this clear, but according to a brief look, national grid gives overwhelmingly more to the Dems than the GOP. Are you saying it's the same with nextera? Do you have a source?

The only one I would probably think twice about bringing a kid to is Oberlin and more because it’s nicer and on the small side and I could see other patrons not easily ignoring a kid there.

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Cheng Du!! Wild amazing eats

Los Andes if you can snag a reservation. Amazing Latin food!

It's a bit of speculation. I was at the show that happened before they cancelled the subsequent shows, and the hosts of the evening were extremely late, like almost an hour late. Maybe they got fired because of that but I'm not sure.

In any event, its confirmed that 2 people were fired, other performers thought it was unfair and resigned out of solidarity with the fired. So they canceled the rest of the shows.

>That depends. Many companies "contribute to the GOP" because they contribute to both the Dems and the GOP.

And that's the case with NextEra too, hence why it's a non-issue.

Being an ethical consumer who cares about this stuff is great, but for something as essential as electricity where there's so few options, there's no good option for that.

Rogue island Broadway bistro Nicks Sakura KowKow Durk’s

You’re a good parent. Thanks.

I’ve taken my kids to restaurants since they were babies. In fact rasoi was my oldest son’s first outing when he was a newborn! Many restaurants are accommodating. Make sure you bring things to occupy your toddler in case he gets bored if the food is taking too long. I used to have a bag of things to bring to restaurants like toys, snacks, and coloring books.

Palo is the best

I've been to a handful of the restaurants that you listed, and I wouldn't worry about taking your kid to any of the following places (none are particular quiet): Aleppo Sweets, Los Andes, Den Den, Apsara, Chengdu Taste. I've been past Pizza Marvin and you should be totally fine there too, as it's very casual!

I've been to Nick's, CAV, and Rasoi, but couldn't say one way or another how bringing a 1 year old would go. Al Forno and Oberlin are nicer restaurants.

(Disclaimer: I don't have any kids myself.)

I would go to any of those places with a toddler. In my experience restaurant staff and patrons don't have attitude about people showing up with little kids.

Bayberry Beer Hall is very kid friendly. I went for brunch recently and I was one of the few people in there without kids.

Bayberry Garden

Article explaining this topic and the aggregation program:

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/environment/2023/03/09/electricity-aggregation-in-ri-what-to-know-for-customer-providence-community/69986029007/

It would be good to know specifics. I'm not sure it's wise to give the new organization the benefit of the doubt--it may lean heavily GOP. Here's National Grid (very heavily Dems):

https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/national-grid-usa/C00048702/summary/2020