The bill amends sections 42-98-3 and 42-98-8 of the Energy Facility Siting Act to introduce new definitions and requirements for energy facilities, including terms such as "advanced conductor," "dynamic line rating," and "grid-enhancing technology." These insertions aim to clarify the technologies applicable to energy facility operations. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board consider the net-zero mandate from the 2021 Act on Climate when evaluating proposed facilities, ensuring that climate change impacts are taken into account during the decision-making process.

Moreover, the bill outlines specific requirements for applications related to energy facility siting, emphasizing the need for comprehensive descriptions of proposed projects, their environmental impacts, and life-cycle management plans. It requires applicants for electric transmission infrastructure and natural gas pipelines to explore advanced technologies and alternatives to optimize costs and effectiveness, including the use of existing rights-of-way. The bill also establishes performance incentives for distribution and transmission companies to analyze the cost-effectiveness of advanced technologies and mandates an independent investigation into their use to enhance the state's transmission system. Overall, the amendments aim to align energy facility applications with Rhode Island's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals as set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.

Statutes affected:
5573: 39-25-3