The bill proposes amendments to Section 39-2-1.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-2, which pertains to the duties of utilities and carriers. It introduces new regulations that prevent public utilities from including advertising expenses aimed at promoting their products, services, or public image within their base rates, while allowing for the inclusion of advertising expenses related to public safety or conservation. The bill mandates public disclosure of all advertising expenses and grants the public utilities commission the authority to enforce these rules. Additionally, the bill specifies that electric and gas distribution companies must include charges to fund demand-side management programs and that electric companies must maintain separate accounts for these programs and renewable energy programs, which are to be administered by the Rhode Island commerce corporation. Certain customers may be exempt from the demand-side management charge.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the allocation of funds for the retention of expert consultants and administration costs of the energy efficiency and resources management council, as well as the allocation of funds to the office of energy resources for various purposes. It also authorizes the Rhode Island infrastructure bank to request a percentage of demand-side charge collections and requires the commission to allocate funds to the bank for energy-related projects. The bill establishes a clean energy fund within the infrastructure bank to provide assistance for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy technologies. The infrastructure bank is given the authority to manage and disburse funds, engage vendors, and recover amounts due from borrowers. The bill encourages the use of project labor agreements and local hiring for funded projects and would take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6293: 39-2-1.2, 46-12.2-4.3