Terminates the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.
Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2027 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.
Maddy summarySB 2631 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy costs for consumers. The study must review all Rhode Island energy programs to identify those increasing costs, compare rates with other states, and recommend policy changes. It includes $100,000 for hiring consultants to research these areas and proposes that future energy-related legislation include clear cost impact statements. The bill directly affects the PUC/DUPC by mandating this study, with the goal of making energy rates more transparent and affordable for Rhode Island residents. It does not change current energy rates but sets a process for evaluating potential cost-saving measures.
Maddy summarySB 2516 repeals the energy efficiency charge previously included in utility base rates for electricity and water providers. This bill removes a specific fee that utilities had been allowed to add to customer bills to fund energy efficiency programs. The repeal does not affect existing funding for renewable energy programs (which continue at 0.3 mills per kilowatt-hour until 2028) or demand-side management programs for electricity and gas utilities. The bill directly affects regulated utilities distributing electricity, water, or gas, as it eliminates one cost they could pass to customers.
Maddy summarySB 2521 requires Rhode Island electricity providers (obligated entities) to gradually increase the share of renewable energy in their retail electricity sales, starting at 3% in 2007 and rising to 9.5% by 2032, with the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2033. The bill mandates that providers meet these targets for each electricity product sold to end-use customers, excluding voluntary renewable energy purchases by customers from counting toward the requirement (except in specific municipal aggregation plans). Compliance can be achieved by purchasing renewable energy credits (NE-GIS certificates) or making payments to a renewable energy development fund. The bill also directs the energy commission to assess in 2024 whether voluntary renewable purchases should be allowed to count toward the annual targets.
Adds a provision that allows a tenant to pay the last month's rent or any other prepaid rent. It also increases the amount that a security deposit can be requested from one to two (2) months of rent.
Requires the PUC to produce yearly reports beginning on January 1, 2027 on the ability of the current electric grid to handle electrification loads needed to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes within the state.
Requires the PUC to make public notification of any changes in eligibility or production of energy, and would direct the commission to promulgate rules and regulations to allow and facilitate the prompt public disclosure of this information.
Maddy summarySB 2356 transfers management of the Big River Reservoir from the Water Resources Board to Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management (DEM). Effective July 1, 2026, DEM will assume responsibility for all land use planning and rule-making related to the reservoir, while existing management rules remain in effect until DEM establishes new regulations. This bill directly affects DEM (which gains new administrative authority) and the Water Resources Board (which loses this specific responsibility). The key mechanism is the formal transfer of management duties, streamlining oversight under DEM’s existing environmental authority without altering the reservoir’s legal status or public access.
Requires any contractor performing construction or maintenance for RIDOT, RITBA or any other construction on any state roads have in place an attenuator truck/crash truck with an operational camera.
