The bill introduces a new section to Chapter 39-1 of the General Laws, establishing a "Public Utility Commission and Energy Facility Siting Board Intervenor Support Program." This program is designed to provide financial compensation for reasonable advocate's fees, reasonable expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs incurred by intervenors who make a substantial contribution to proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Facility Siting Board. Key definitions are provided, including terms such as "intervenor," "compensation," and "significant financial hardship."

The bill outlines eligibility criteria and the application process for compensation, mandating the commission to develop accessible, multi-lingual educational materials to inform potential grantees about the intervenor support grant program. It establishes the "Intervenor Compensation Special Fund," which will be funded through appropriations from the General Assembly, fees levied by the commission, and assessments on electric and gas distribution companies. Grants from this fund will be capped at $50,000 per proceeding for any single awardee, with the possibility of exceeding this cap if good cause is demonstrated. The total grant funding for any individual proceeding is limited to $100,000, with provisions for prioritizing applicants based on financial hardship if requests exceed this limit.

The commission is responsible for reviewing compensation claims and ensuring effective participation from all stakeholders. An annual report on the fund's activities will be submitted to the legislature and the ratepayers advisory board. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.