The bill amends Chapter 39-2 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 39-2-1.5, which establishes minimum statewide standards for electric utility meter reading and billing practices. Key provisions include requirements for regular meter readings at approximately the same calendar day of each billing period, maintenance of accurate customer billing records, and limitations on estimated billing. Specifically, electric utilities are prohibited from issuing estimated bills for more than six consecutive billing periods on any residential, commercial, or industrial account, unless access to the meter is unavailable due to customer actions or safety concerns. If estimated billing is used for six months, the utility must resolve the issue within two months, with the possibility of seeking a waiver from the division of public utilities and carriers.

The bill also stipulates that the division shall consider existing utility tariffs approved by the public utilities commission and the deployment of advanced metering or automated meter reading technology when promulgating regulations. Furthermore, it clarifies that the public utilities commission retains the authority to approve tariffs or rates, provided they are consistent with the standards established in this section. The provisions of this section will sunset upon the adoption of relevant rules and regulations by the division or on January 30, 2028, whichever occurs first. The act is set to take effect upon passage.