The bill amends Section 39-2-1.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-2, focusing on the duties of utilities and carriers regarding utility base rates for advertising, demand-side management, and renewable energy. It introduces new provisions that prohibit public utilities from including advertising expenses in their base rates, with exceptions for educational or informational advertising related to public safety and conservation. The bill also requires the establishment of separate accounts for demand-side management and renewable energy programs, ensuring oversight by the public utilities commission and the Rhode Island commerce corporation. Additionally, it mandates electric and gas distribution companies to implement demand-side management programs funded by specific charges, while emphasizing transparency and allowing for adjustments in funding levels as needed.

Moreover, the bill streamlines the regulatory framework by deleting certain existing requirements, such as the allocation of three percent of demand-side management funds for expert consultants and the annual allocation of five million dollars to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank. Instead, it allows for greater flexibility in fund utilization for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The bill also modifies the role of third-party administrators by removing the requirement for them to adhere to the same standards as distribution companies and allows distribution companies to continue energy efficiency programs if a third-party administrator is not appointed. If appointed, the third-party administrator must collaborate with relevant agencies to develop the annual state energy efficiency program, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

Statutes affected:
6204: 39-2-1.2