Mandates any utility provider from increasing the transmission and distribution fees paid by a consumer for a period of two (2) years.
Summary
H5813 would add a new section to Rhode Island’s Public Utilities Commission laws to freeze transmission and distribution charges on consumer utility bills for two years beginning July 1, 2025. During that period, a public utility could not raise those specific fees unless the General Assembly affirmatively approves the increase. The bill applies broadly to public utilities as defined in state law, but it excludes utilities with fewer than 7,500 accounts.
The measure is focused on one component of electric utility bills: the transmission and distribution portion of the charge. It does not appear to set a general rate cap on all utility costs, but rather limits increases to these delivery-related fees unless lawmakers authorize them. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would temporarily override existing utility ratemaking authority by requiring legislative approval for any increase in transmission and distribution fees for covered utilities over a two-year period. It would amend Chapter 39-1 of the General Laws, affecting the Public Utilities Commission framework and the billing practices of larger regulated utilities in Rhode Island. Smaller utilities with fewer than 7,500 accounts would be exempt from the freeze.
Sentiment
The available record shows the bill was introduced without recorded committee testimony or votes, so there is no formal public sentiment captured in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s structure, it appears aimed at consumer bill relief and rate stability, suggesting support from lawmakers concerned about utility affordability. No opposing arguments are documented in the supplied context.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether the General Assembly should directly control increases in utility delivery charges rather than leaving those decisions to the Public Utilities Commission and utility ratemaking processes. Potential supporters are likely to favor the bill as a way to protect ratepayers from rising bills, while potential opponents may argue it limits utility cost recovery, interferes with regulatory oversight, or could affect infrastructure investment and maintenance. The exemption for smaller utilities also suggests a possible concern about imposing the same restrictions on providers with different scale and financial capacity.