Summary: HR 7891, introduced by Representatives Cortvriend, McGaw, Kazarian, Spears, and Boylan on February 27, 2023, and referred to the House Corporations, requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to terminate gas line extension allowances as part of Docket 25-45-GE. The bill addresses the current Rhode Island Energy tariff, which allows the utility to distribute the costs of connecting new customers to the gas distribution system across all gas customers. It raises concerns regarding the state's climate goals, emphasizing the need to reduce gas usage for home heating to meet emissions reduction targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050. The bill argues that connecting new customers to the gas system would perpetuate the subsidization of infrastructure that contradicts these long-term emissions goals.

Additionally, the bill points out that while gas customers are subsidizing new connections, electric customers are required to pay for their own connections to the electric distribution system. By requesting the termination of gas line extension allowances, the bill aims to align Rhode Island's energy policies with its climate action strategy and ensure that new infrastructure investments do not hinder the state's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The bill concludes by directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies to relevant officials, including the PUC and Rhode Island Energy.