This is in RI so letting the heat out is not just a big cost but a risk.

For example,  providing a heating source for your tenant is your responsibility as the landlord. 

Avoid any self-help eviction tactics like changing locks.Maintenance: As a landlord, you’re responsible for ensuring the property meets basic health and safety standards, including working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.Inspections: While there are no mandatory inspections required before renting, your property should comply with building codes.

hi all i am a new landlord and got my first rental property. tenants moved in in September and October. the first month was fine but when December hit it got extremely cold and the heating is electric. due to poor insulation in the home that we did not know about the heat has to be turned very high up to keep the home warm, however since everything is electric it is causing the electric bill to be $800. the utilities are the tenants responsibility. however because of this one of the tenants has been extremely non compliant with paying rent.

I would allow for differences of opinions that are amicable, and even sometimes heated, as long as names and profanities aren't used.

However, they didn't insulate that building well so in winter residents consistently get heating bills over $200/mo. 

Without electric you can not heat the unit.

I believe the appreciation has been great over the past couple of years and prices are lower than in major areas like Miami metroplex or Charlotte.

But there are some basic bid issues owners are often unreasonable about:1) There really isn't time to get multiple bids- No heat during winter or ac during summer can often result in a municipal ticket or worse2) The job is too small to get bids- Estimated cost is $700 - how is saving 5-10% worth the time getting bids?

yeah the tenant pushing back is my concern. it just so happened that this happened with the tenant that seems to not like paying. and the heating is electric and this winter has been extremely cold which caused the electric bill to jump up to $800!