The bill amends Section 39-2-1.2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-2, focusing on the responsibilities of utilities and carriers. It establishes that no green energy surcharge shall be assessed or collected with respect to any electric energy billing or usage for the period from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2031, including, but not limited to, the Renewable Energy Growth Program charge, the renewable energy distribution charge, and energy efficiency programs.

Additionally, the bill introduces a moratorium on the uniform, per-kilowatt-hour (KWh) surcharge from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2031, as well as a moratorium on the tariffs subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section during the same period.

The bill also sets a maximum capacity for eligible net-metering systems at ten megawatts and specifies that these systems must be located outside of core forests, with exceptions for preferred sites. Furthermore, it mandates the redesign of the community solar remote net metering program to support low- and moderate-income residents.

Finally, it ensures that once tariff terms for renewable energy projects are established, they cannot be altered in a way that undermines reliance on those tariffs, with a similar moratorium on tariff changes during the five-year period. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7523: 39-2-1.2, 39-26.4-3, 39-26.6-6