The bill amends Section 39-2-1.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-2, focusing on the responsibilities of utilities and carriers regarding utility base rates. It introduces a prohibition against public utilities including advertising expenses in their base rates, with the exception of educational or informational advertising aimed at promoting public safety and conservation. Additionally, the bill extends the duration of the 0.3 mills per kilowatt-hour charge for renewable energy programs from December 31, 2028, to December 31, 2033, while requiring electric distribution companies to maintain separate accounts for demand-side management and renewable energy programs.

Moreover, the bill outlines the Rhode Island commerce corporation's role in managing renewable energy investment programs and sets criteria for evaluating renewable energy projects. It mandates gas distribution companies to include charges for demand-side management programs and allows for coordination between electric and gas programs. The bill also allocates three percent of demand-side management funds for expert consultants and administrative costs, specifies fund distribution between the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council and the Office of Energy Resources, and requires annual financial and performance reports. Additionally, it establishes a framework for the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to receive two percent of demand-side charge collections and allocates five million dollars annually for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, extending the renewable energy fund until December 31, 2033.

Statutes affected:
605: 39-2-1.2