Energy

signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 7879: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK AND JOBS ACT

Facilitates the study of thermal energy technology to determine if these goals can be met by the implementation of thermal energy networks in Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFacilitates study of thermal energy networks for potential implementation, aligning with renewable/efficient energy infrastructure exploration per topic indicators.80% confidence

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2655: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SITING AND REGULATORY ACT

Requires applications for energy facilities to take into consideration the 2021 Act on Climate and how the facility may advance or delay the greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires energy facility applications to advance greenhouse gas emissions reductions per climate law, directly supporting clean energy transition and emissions goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires energy facility applications to consider advancing greenhouse gas reductions per 2021 Climate Act, directly aligning with emissions reduction goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Transmission Climate Change

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7611: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

HB 7611 amends Rhode Island's renewable energy standard, requiring electric utilities (obligated entities) selling electricity to retail customers to gradually increase their renewable energy supply. Starting at 3% in 2007, the required renewable percentage escalates annually, reaching 9.5% by 2044 with a target of 100% renewable electricity for all Rhode Island demand by that year. The bill includes a 2% cap on using existing renewable resources toward the goal and allows compliance through NE-GIS certificates or alternative payments to a development fund. It also exempts pre-2022 power contracts from later-year requirements until their contract end dates.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates increasing renewable energy percentages for utilities, reaching 100% by 2044, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates renewable energy requirements escalating to 100% by 2044, directly advancing clean energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

Track

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 2654: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND CLEAN HEAT STANDARD ACT

SB 2654 establishes a Rhode Island Clean Heat Standards Program requiring heating providers to meet annual clean heat targets through a system of tradeable credits. Providers using cleaner heating sources (like renewable energy) earn credits they can sell to others who fall short of their targets. This market-based system aims to gradually increase the use of clean heat across the state without mandating specific technologies. The program directly affects heating providers, utilities, and businesses using significant thermal energy in Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes Clean Heat Standard with tradeable credits to increase clean heat use, promoting renewable energy sources and reducing fossil fuel dependence through market-based targets.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes market-based clean heat targets requiring providers to use renewable energy sources, directly reducing emissions and promoting clean energy adoption in heating systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 7655: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Permits a tenant, at the tenant’s expense, to implement energy conservation measures to any dwelling or dwelling unit such as removable weather-stripping around doors and windows.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPermits tenant-installed energy conservation measures (e.g., weather-stripping), directly increasing residential energy efficiency per bill summary.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill permits tenants to install removable energy conservation measures at their expense, directly enhancing tenant rights and reducing energy costs (a tenant protection under housing topic).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2646: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- RHODE ISLAND INSURANCE MARKET PROTECTION ACT

Regulates property insurers to limit underwriting and investment in fossil fuel projects, requires climate risk reporting and emissions disclosures, and aligns insurance practices with science-based climate targets.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyLimits insurer investments in fossil fuels, requires climate disclosures, and aligns with science-based climate targets, reducing fossil fuel dependence.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRegulates insurers to limit fossil fuel investments, mandates climate risk reporting, and aligns with science-based climate targets, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 7912: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND CLEAN HEAT STANDARD ACT

Creates the Rhode Island clean heat standards act to implement a system of tradeable clean heat credits earned from the delivery of clean heat measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates tradeable clean heat credits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and clean heat infrastructure standards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates tradeable clean heat credits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, directly advancing climate action and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8167: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL FUNDS AND PROPERTY

HB 8167 requires the Department of Education to create and implement regulations for "energy capable" school buildings. This bill directly affects public school districts and state-funded schools by mandating new building standards. The key provision is the development of specific regulations governing energy efficiency or capabilities in school construction and renovations. The bill focuses on establishing these regulatory requirements, without specifying exact energy targets or timelines. (3 sentences)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates energy efficiency regulations for school buildings, improving infrastructure as an indicator of support per bill focus on building standards for public schools.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates energy efficiency regulations for school buildings, advancing energy capability standards without fossil fuel opposition or restrictions.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy efficiency regulations for school buildings, reducing energy consumption and supporting environmental protection through building standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

Track

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2529: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NEXT GENERATION PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACT

Prohibits the use of heating systems utilizing fossil fuels as well as air or water heating systems in any state or municipal building open to the public constructed, altered or renovated on or after January 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits fossil fuel heating systems in public buildings post-2028, directly advancing renewable energy adoption by eliminating fossil fuel dependence in state infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits fossil fuel heating systems in public buildings, reducing emissions and advancing clean energy transition for climate protection.95% confidence

Track

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7880: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

HB 7880 creates a tiered subsidy program to make home energy costs affordable for low-income households earning 150% of the federal poverty level or less. It requires large electric and gas utilities (with over 100,000 customers) to file income-based discount plans by January 2027, capping energy costs at 3% of income for non-electric heat users or 6% for electric heat users. Utilities must cover the cost of these discounts - plus administrative expenses - through adjusted rates paid by all customers, not just low-income households. The Public Utilities Commission must approve these plans by January 2028, and enrolled customers will receive fixed monthly discounts while being offered energy efficiency programs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates income-based energy cost caps (3-6% of income) for low-income households, directly protecting utility consumers from high energy expenses.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill caps energy costs at 3-6% of income for low-income households, directly advancing housing affordability by reducing a major cost burden for housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation

Track