The bill addresses the establishment of microgrids in Rhode Island, recognizing the vulnerability of the state's electrical system to disruptions and the benefits of microgrids in terms of energy resilience, integration of renewable energy, and provision of ancillary services to the public utility grid. The General Assembly finds that microgrids can operate autonomously to provide emergency power and support critical infrastructure, but their development has been hindered by interconnection barriers and the absence of standard terms for services exchanged between microgrid operators and utilities.

To facilitate the development of microgrids, the bill proposes the addition of a new chapter to Title 39 of the General Laws, titled "MICROGRIDS DOCKET." This chapter includes definitions relevant to microgrid projects and mandates the public utilities commission to open a proceeding by October 1, 2023, to establish a microgrid services tariff. The tariff aims to provide fair compensation for electricity and services, standardize interconnection processes, and does not apply to municipal utilities. The commission is requested to approve the tariff by April 1, 2025, or provide a detailed report to the General Assembly if the deadline is not feasible. The act would take effect upon passage. Insertions in the bill include definitions, the establishment of the microgrid services tariff, and the process for owning or operating a microgrid project. There are no deletions mentioned in the summary provided.