The bill amends Section 39-1-26 of the General Laws concerning the Public Utilities Commission by creating a public utilities reserve fund to support the commission and division in their operational expenses. The fund will be financed through annual appropriations equal to 0.00025% of the gross annual operating revenues of gas, electric, and telephone companies from intrastate operations. Additionally, the bill establishes that public utilities will be responsible for covering a portion of the expenses incurred by the commission and division during investigations and hearings, with specific caps on the amounts that can be charged. The cap for total charges to any public utility in a calendar year is increased from $750,000 to $1,000,000, and the cap for the administrator's representation before federal agencies is raised from $250,000 to $500,000.

Furthermore, the bill allows for the collection of fees from telecommunications providers for filings that are not subject to the provisions of the new fund. It mandates that all collected funds be paid monthly to the general treasurer to be added to the public utilities reserve fund. The act is designed to enhance the financial resources available to the Public Utilities Commission and the division, thereby improving their ability to conduct investigations and hearings effectively. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5547: 39-1-26