The bill amends Section 39-2-1.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-2, focusing on the responsibilities of utilities and carriers. It introduces new provisions that prohibit public utilities from including advertising expenses in their base rates, with exceptions for educational or informational advertising related to public safety and conservation. Additionally, the bill establishes a charge per kilowatt-hour for electric distribution companies to fund demand-side management programs for twenty years and extends the existing charge for renewable energy programs from 2028 to 2033. It also requires electric distribution companies to maintain separate accounts for demand-side management and renewable energy programs, which will be administered by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.

Moreover, the bill allocates three percent (3%) of demand-side management funds for expert consultants and administrative costs associated with the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, with a specified distribution of funds between the council and the Office of Energy Resources. It mandates annual financial and performance reports from both entities to ensure transparency. The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank is set to receive two percent (2%) of electric and gas demand-side charge collections, along with an annual allocation of five million dollars ($5,000,000) for energy projects starting January 1, 2022. The bill also allows for the issuance of requests for proposals for statewide energy efficiency programs and extends the renewable energy fund until December 31, 2033, supporting Rhode Island's goal of achieving 100% renewable energy for electricity demand.

Statutes affected:
5485: 39-2-1.2