This bill amends Section 39-1-27.3 of the General Laws to require electric distribution companies to provide retail access, standard offer, and last-resort service. The amendment states that each electric distribution company, except Pascoag Utility District, must offer retail access from nonregulated power producers to all customers. The rates charged by the electric distribution company for standard-offer service must be approved by the commission and designed to recover the company's costs. The company will not be entitled to recover any profit margin on the sale of standard-offer power, except with approval of the commission for system reliability and least-cost procurement. The bill also requires the electric distribution company to arrange for a last-resort power supply for customers who have left the standard offer and are not receiving service from nonregulated power producers. The company must procure last-resort service supply from wholesale power suppliers and file a supply acquisition plan with the commission. The commission has the authority to review and approve the acquisition plan and may modify it due to changed market conditions. The bill also addresses the accounting and recovery of costs for last-resort service.

This bill would make changes to the Public Utilities Commission law. It would replace the term "standard offer service" with "last resort service" after December 31, 2020. It would also repeal two sections of the law related to returning to standard offer service and supply procurement plans. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6048: 39-1-27.3