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 regarding utility base rates, particularly in relation to demand-side management and renewable energy programs. It prohibits public utilities serving more than one hundred thousand (100,000) customers from including costs associated with advertising, marketing, communications, or public education that seek to influence public opinion in their base rates. This includes costs related to research, analysis, preparation, or planning undertaken in support of such activities, unless specifically approved or ordered by the commission.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 39-2-1.5, which explicitly prohibits these public utilities from recovering costs related to membership dues, sponsorships, charitable contributions, lobbying, political expenses, litigation to influence regulations, marketing and administration for unregulated products, tax penalties, and certain travel and entertainment expenses through their rates.

Furthermore, the bill restricts these utilities from recovering costs associated with rate proceedings or infrastructure, safety, and reliability proceedings initiated after July 1, 2025, including various direct and indirect expenses such as attorneys' fees and expert witness costs. The commission is empowered to initiate rulemaking to implement these requirements. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5818: 39-2-1.2