The bill HR 5969, introduced by Representatives Speakman, Cotter, Tanzi, Alzate, Donovan, and Boylan on February 28, 2023, and referred to the House Municipal Government & Housing, calls for the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to take immediate action to address the rising utility bills faced by residents and businesses in Rhode Island. It emphasizes the importance of affordable utility services for the community's well-being and the economic health of businesses, particularly highlighting the disproportionate impact on low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses.

The bill underscores the responsibility of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and DPUC to ensure fair rates for consumers and suggests that Rhode Island should consider actions similar to those taken in Massachusetts to revise delivery rates for immediate relief. Additionally, it requests that the DPUC actively seek rate relief from Rhode Island Energy for its ratepayers and mandates that the DPUC report back to the Speaker of the House by April 22, 2025, on the progress and outcomes of these efforts. A certified copy of the bill is to be transmitted to the Administrator of the DPUC, reinforcing the legislative intent to prioritize financial relief for utility costs for Rhode Island residents and businesses.