The bill amends Section 42-98-1.1 of the Energy Facility Siting Act to establish a "Capital City Underground Utility Initiative," which aims to facilitate the undergrounding of portions of the E-183 electric transmission line in Providence and East Providence. The legislation provides a historical context for the project, detailing previous decisions made by the Board regarding the feasibility of underground alignments and the cities' desire to proceed with underground construction.

Key provisions include:

1. The cities of Providence and East Providence may apply their pro rata share of customer credits toward the incremental costs associated with the undergrounding project.
2. The public utilities commission is authorized to approve rate adjustments to recover these costs from electric customers in the affected areas.
3. If the cities obtain additional funding sources to offset the cost of the burial of the E-183 electric transmission line, those funds will reduce the rate adjustments charged to customers.
4. The cities are required to acquire and convey to the utility company all easements or property rights needed for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the relevant segment of the E-183 line.
5. Any property and easements no longer used by the utility after the completion of the Bridge Alignment South - Hybrid will be transferred to the city in which such property is located.

The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
981: 42-98-1.1
981  SUB A: 42-98-1.1
981  SUB A as amended: 42-98-1.1