Details of the letter come as the state Public Utilities Commission this afternoon approved a 21.7-percent increase in the price National Grid charges its customers for electricity and an 8-percent increase in the price it charges customers for natural gas.

The combined increases, which go into effect July 15, would raise the average utility bill for a typical home heated by gas by almost $30 a month. The increase would be higher in winter months and lower in summer months. National Grid requested the increase because the company says it's paying more to purchase electricity and natural gas.

Carcieri pledged "continued dialogue" with the other New England governors to find short-term and long-term solutions to help residents with heating costs.

The letter also called for:

* More money for the Weatherization Program, which the governor's office said helps pay for more efficient heating units and appliances.

* Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants to allow for "family supplemental payments for greater utility and heating costs."

* Social services block grants to "cover additional costs in transportation and energy for center-based care."

* Expanded Medicaid rules to allow for increasing "allowable costs to help cover spikes in energy costs in group homes, residential care and nursing homes."

At the energy summit, Andrew Dzykewicz, the governor's chief energy adviser who is commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, presented on developing renewable regional power options, the governor's office said.

The news release noted Rhode Island's plans to expedite the permits for an offshore wind farm with the goal of supplying 15 percent of the state's electric energy use.