Hob too hot to cook rice - how can i reduce heat?

I have a new gas hob and the smallest ring is not that small. The heat is way too powerful to cook rice. I never used to have a problem with rice but now it goes crispy on the bottom of the pan everytime. I like the absorption method rather than sieving as i hate soggy rice (but hate crispy rice too!). How can i reduce the strength of heat on this ring?