Summary: HR 5834, introduced by Representatives Handy, Cortvriend, McNamara, Boylan, Kislak, and Potter on February 28, 2023, and referred to the House Corporations, requests the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Office of Energy Resources (OER), and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to conduct a comprehensive study on Rhode Island's electric rate structure. The study aims to identify issues related to current electric rates and explore potential reform strategies that would support the state's decarbonization goals. It highlights that existing electric rates may hinder efforts to electrify buildings and transportation, which are essential for addressing climate change.

The resolution outlines specific areas for the study, including how the 2025 Climate Action Strategy should incorporate rate reform in its transition away from fossil fuels and what alternative rate designs the electric distribution company should propose in future rate cases. The findings and recommendations from this study are requested to be reported back to the House by September 1, 2025. The resolution emphasizes the importance of aligning electric rates with climate goals to facilitate a transition to cleaner energy sources and improve overall sustainability in Rhode Island.