Electric supply is deregulated in our state, you are free to choose a different supplier.

RIE has a monopoly on distribution, which is why any distribution charges they charge have a capped ROI (essentially, profit) percentage, approved by the PUC. Whether they are taking a fair ROI is a matter of opinion, but I personally see any external profitability as unreasonable; it's a universal need, it should be run by the municipality and not turn a profit, just like our water, sewer, road, etc. systems. That said, if we're stuck with a commercial model, them taking (IIRC) 5% profit seems at least less bad than it could be.