The bill amends Section 39-2-1.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-2, focusing on the duties of utilities and carriers, by introducing new provisions that regulate utility base rates, particularly concerning demand-side management and renewable energy programs. It prohibits public utilities serving greater than one hundred thousand (100,000) customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect costs associated with advertising, marketing, communications, or public education that seek to influence public opinion, including costs related to research, analysis, preparation, or planning in support of such activities.

Additionally, the bill adds a new section, 39-2-1.5, which further prohibits these public utilities from recovering costs associated with membership dues, sponsorships, charitable contributions, lobbying, political expenses, litigation to influence regulations, marketing for unregulated products, tax penalties, and certain travel and entertainment expenses. It also specifies that for any rate proceeding or infrastructure, safety, and reliability proceeding initiated on or after July 1, 2025, these utilities shall not recover costs related to their attendance, participation, preparation, or appeal of such proceedings, including attorneys' fees and expert witness fees.

The commission is granted the authority to initiate rulemaking to implement the requirements of this chapter, enhancing regulatory oversight and consumer protection. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5818: 39-2-1.2