Energy (Utility Regulation)

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2777: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Provides that effective July 1, 2026, the profit margin of any electric distribution company or distributor of natural gas, would not exceed four percent (4%), in any given calendar year.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill caps utility profit margins at 4%, which restricts utility company financial flexibility and could limit investment in energy infrastructure and services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Utility Regulation

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2631: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

SB 2631 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy costs for consumers. The study must review all Rhode Island energy programs to identify those increasing costs, compare rates with other states, and recommend policy changes. It includes $100,000 for hiring consultants to research these areas and proposes that future energy-related legislation include clear cost impact statements. The bill directly affects the PUC/DUPC by mandating this study, with the goal of making energy rates more transparent and affordable for Rhode Island residents. It does not change current energy rates but sets a process for evaluating potential cost-saving measures.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates study to lower consumer energy costs by reviewing cost-increasing programs and comparing rates, directly aligning with protecting utility consumers and reducing costs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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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

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7610: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

HB 7610 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to produce a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy rates for consumers. The study must compare Rhode Island's electric and gas rates with other states, review all state energy programs that increase costs, and identify policies or practices that could be changed to reduce bills. The PUC will use $100,000 in funding to hire consultants and develop a research plan, including recommendations for transparent "energy notes" on future legislation affecting costs. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents who pay energy bills by directing state agencies to investigate cost-reduction strategies.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates study to lower consumer energy rates by reviewing cost-increasing programs, directly protecting utility consumers per support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 28, 2026

HR 7891: HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO TERMINATE GAS LINE EXTENSION ALLOWANCES AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

This House Resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to end a cost-sharing practice (called a "gas line extension allowance") where all gas customers pay for new gas line connections to serve new customers. The resolution cites the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy, which requires reducing gas use for home heating to meet emissions targets, and argues that new gas infrastructure locks in long-term gas dependency beyond 2050. The request is directed to the Commission as part of its pending rate review (Docket 25-45-GE) for utility rate adjustments.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergySeeks to end gas infrastructure expansion to reduce fossil fuel dependence, aligning with 2025 Climate Action Strategy's emissions targets.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEnds gas line extensions to meet climate targets per RI's 2025 Strategy, reducing long-term gas dependency and emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7878: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS ACT

Requires that the electric distribution company and the commission promulgate tariffs to address interconnection of energy storage systems and to provide compensation for at least 100 mega watts of energy storage systems sited in the state.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates tariffs and compensation for 100+ MW energy storage systems, advancing renewable integration and clean energy infrastructure deployment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Transmission Utility Regulation

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 2012: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- TRANSPARENCY IN ELECTRIC AND GAS BILLS ACT

Requires electric and gas utilities to provide a detailed breakdown of supply, delivery, and public policy costs on electric and gas bills, including specific costs for renewable energy sources, and mandate public comment and PUC approval.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates detailed billing breakdown including renewable energy costs, promoting transparency and accountability in energy expenses.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires breakdown of renewable energy costs on bills, promoting transparency in clean energy usage and aligning with environmental policy goals.60% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7139: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THE RENEWABLE ENERGY GROWTH PROGRAM

Requires that any costs, tariffs or other mandates related to the state’s renewable energy growth program be reviewed and approved by the general assembly.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRequires legislative approval for renewable energy program costs/mandates, adding oversight that could delay or restrict implementation of the renewable energy growth program.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes renewable energy program requiring legislative approval for costs/mandates, promoting clean energy development per environmental indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

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