Energy (Wind)

This bill would temporarily halt several renewable energy programs in Rhode Island starting January 1, 2027. It stops new net metering agreements that allow customers to sell excess solar or wind power back to the grid, prohibits the state from signing long-term contracts over five years for purchasing solar or wind energy, and bars state funds from subsidizing heat pump purchases or installation. These changes directly affect utility customers, energy providers, and state agencies that currently participate in or administer these programs. The legislation does not prevent existing contracts from continuing but blocks new enrollments in these specific renewable energy initiatives.

HB 7727 establishes a 15-member commission to study policies and procurement structures for Rhode Island's offshore wind energy development, aiming to secure 1,200 megawatts by 2030. The commission will evaluate key areas including procurement authority, cost containment, workforce development, infrastructure needs, and multi-state coordination, with annual reports due starting in 2027. Its recommendations will guide the state's energy office in creating regulations to implement procurement strategies, ensuring alignment with climate goals and economic development priorities. The commission expires December 31, 2030, unless extended by the legislature.

SB 2661 establishes a study commission to examine offshore wind energy procurement in Rhode Island. The bill creates the "Affordable Clean Energy Security Act" to direct the commission to study how public utilities and carriers can implement offshore wind energy projects. This study will assess potential policies and strategies for Rhode Island's energy transition, directly affecting the state's public utilities and transportation carriers. The bill is currently in the Senate Environment and Agriculture committee after being introduced on February 27, 2026.

HB 7177 places a moratorium on new or renewed net metering contracts (which allow solar power customers to sell excess electricity back to the grid), long-term contracts (over five years) for purchasing solar or wind energy, and state subsidies for heat pump installations. This bill directly affects residential solar customers, utilities, and homeowners seeking heat pump incentives by prohibiting these programs starting January 1, 2027. Key provisions ban state-funded heat pump subsidies, prevent new solar/wind energy procurement contracts exceeding five years, and halt all new net metering agreements under state law. The law suspends these specific energy programs without altering broader renewable energy policies.