This resolution acknowledges the need for Rhode Island to foster the development of microgrids to achieve its climate goals and modernize its energy grid. Despite the state's ambitious renewable energy targets, microgrids have not been fully integrated into the state's energy infrastructure. Microgrids are recognized for their potential to enhance local and statewide resilience against extreme weather events and to address other system constraints. The General Assembly has suggested that the public utilities commission should initiate a docket to create a microgrid services agreement, recognizing that the commission would benefit from specialized expertise and the ability to manage stakeholder engagement and docket procedures.

To facilitate this initiative, the resolution proposes the appropriation of $100,000 from the state treasury for the fiscal year 2023-2024 to the public utilities commission. This funding is intended to support the hiring of additional experts to manage the stakeholder process and to develop a microgrid services tariff. The state controller is authorized to release the funds as needed upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. The legislative council explains that the resolution's purpose is to allocate the necessary funds to the public utilities commission to acquire the expertise required for establishing a microgrid services tariff.