The bill amends Section 39-1-27 of the General Laws, requiring electric distribution companies to submit restructuring plans for the ownership and operation of electric-generating facilities. It mandates these companies to file tariffs with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the state commission to ensure nondiscriminatory access to transmission and distribution facilities for all customers. The bill outlines the review process for these plans, granting the commission authority to authorize property transfers and setting conditions under which electric distribution companies can sell electricity at retail or own generating facilities. Importantly, it prohibits these companies from selling electricity at retail, except as authorized by Section 39-20-3, and allows for owning, operating, and constructing generating facilities that are constructed or acquired after January 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 39-1-27.3, requiring electric distribution companies to provide retail access and a standard offer for power supply to all customers, including provisions for last-resort service for those who opt out of the standard offer. The companies must arrange for last-resort power supply and submit acquisition plans for commission approval. The bill emphasizes transparency in cost recovery and allows the commission to approve special tariff conditions that benefit the public interest. It also clarifies the definitions related to electric-generating facilities, specifying that these facilities must be owned or operated by a nonregulated power producer, a domestic electric utility, or an affiliate thereof, and must be generating electricity on or after January 1, 2025, while removing previous size and operational status stipulations. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7889: 39-1-27, 39-1-27.3