The bill amends Section 42-98-1.1 of the General Laws in the Energy Facility Siting Act to establish the "Capital City Underground Utility Initiative," aimed at facilitating the undergrounding of the E-183 electric transmission line in Providence and East Providence. It highlights the cities' previous decisions to forgo customer credits for underground construction, which has not yet occurred as of 2025, resulting in accrued interest for electric customers. The bill authorizes funding mechanisms for the incremental costs of burying portions of the line, allowing the public utilities commission to permit the cities to apply their share of refunds towards the project. It also grants the Narragansett Electric Company the authority to construct the "Bridge Alignment South - Hybrid" and allows the Board to modify project licenses without adhering to certain prior requirements.

Additionally, the bill modifies property transfer procedures by removing previous language about retaining properties acquired for the underground alignment. Instead, it mandates that Providence and East Providence acquire and convey necessary property rights to the utility company at no cost. It also stipulates that any easements no longer needed after the project's completion will be returned to the cities upon request without additional costs. The bill includes provisions for the allocation of incremental costs to local electric ratepayers and requires the utility company to record revenues from rate adjustments as contributions in aid of construction. The public utilities commission will handle any disputes regarding property or easement needs, and the act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
981: 42-98-1.1