HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES, AND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO IDENTIFY ISSUES RELATED TO ELECTRIC RATES AND POTENTIAL RATE REFORM STRATEGIES

This House Resolution (HR 5834) respectfully requests Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Office of Energy Resources (OER), and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study how current electricity pricing impacts the state's climate goals. The agencies must examine rate structures that support building and transportation electrification while protecting low- and moderate-income households, assess how the 2025 Climate Action Strategy should address rates, and evaluate alternatives to current rate designs. They are required to submit findings and recommendations to the House by September 1, 2025. The resolution does not change laws but directs state agencies to investigate rate reforms needed for decarbonization.