Requires a natural gas and electric utility company to read the meters of all ratepayers on a quarterly basis. The utility would be required to provide a formula, used to create estimated bills, to the PUC in order to send estimated bills.
Summary
H6361 would require every electric and natural gas distribution utility in Rhode Island to read, record, and update customer billing on a quarterly schedule. The bill also allows utilities to issue estimated bills in months when a quarterly meter reading is not scheduled or cannot be completed, but only if the utility files with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) a current, simple, clear, and concise statement of the formula used to calculate those estimates.
The bill further limits what a utility may collect if it fails to read a meter on the required quarterly basis. In that situation, the utility would be barred from demanding or collecting any balance above the amount already billed through the prior estimated monthly bills, and any additional amount otherwise due for the unbilled usage would be forfeited for the period of noncompliance. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
This bill would amend Rhode Island General Laws chapter 39-3 by adding a new section governing utility billing practices for electric and natural gas distribution companies. It would impose a statutory quarterly meter-reading requirement, require PUC oversight of estimated-bill formulas, and create a financial penalty for utilities that fail to perform the required readings by limiting retroactive collection of underbilled amounts. The primary affected parties are electric and gas utilities, the PUC, and residential and other ratepayers who receive estimated bills.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded votes, or formal opposition, so there is no documented debate to indicate broad support or resistance. Based on the bill’s structure, the measure appears consumer-protective and aimed at billing transparency and accountability, which suggests a generally favorable policy posture toward ratepayers. However, without hearing testimony or votes, the level of support or concern cannot be determined from the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the burden the bill places on utilities, which would need to ensure quarterly meter reads and disclose their estimated-billing methodology to the PUC. Utilities may also object to the forfeiture provision, since it prevents recovery of charges above prior estimated bills when the company misses a required reading. On the other side, ratepayers and consumer advocates would likely support the bill because it reduces prolonged estimated billing and protects customers from large back-billed charges caused by utility noncompliance.