The bill amends Section 39-2-1.2 of the General Laws concerning the duties of utilities and carriers, specifically addressing utility base rates, advertising, demand-side management, and renewable energy programs. It terminates the requirement for the public utilities commission to allocate $5 million annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for energy efficiency programs. The bill also includes provisions that prohibit public utilities from including advertising expenses in their base rates, except for educational or safety-related advertising. It establishes requirements for electric and gas distribution companies to fund demand-side management programs and renewable energy initiatives through specific charges per kilowatt-hour and deca therm delivered. Additionally, it mandates the establishment of separate accounts for these programs and outlines the commission's authority to adjust funding and oversee the administration of these initiatives. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2520: 39-2-1.2