2024 -- H 7429

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LC003487

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

     Introduced By: Representatives Chippendale, Roberts, Quattrocchi, Rea, Newberry,
Nardone, Place, J. Brien, Fenton-Fung, and Vella-Wilkinson

     Date Introduced: February 02, 2024

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 39-1-37.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1 entitled "Public

Utilities Commission" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     39-1-37.1. Ratepayers advisory board.

     (a) There is hereby established the ratepayers advisory board. The advisory board shall

consist of the following public members:

     (1) Four (4) members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of

whom shall represent the interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent the

interests of the elderly and disabled; one of whom shall represent a community-based consumer

organization representing low-income individuals; and one of whom shall represent a LIHEAP

consumer.

     (2) Four (4) members appointed by the senate president, one of whom shall represent the

interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent a chamber of commerce; one of

whom shall represent a nonprofit energy consortium of businesses; and one of whom shall represent

a community action agency LIHEAP program provider.

     (3) Three (3) members appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent the

LIHEAP program administration; one of whom shall represent the interests of small business

owners; and one of whom shall represent the interests of residents of affordable housing be the

commissioner or the acting commissioner of the office of energy resources.

     (b) The appointments to the advisory board shall be made as follows: each appointing

authority shall appoint one member to serve a term of one year, one member to serve a term of two

(2) years, and one member to serve a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, each member appointed

to the advisory board shall serve a three-year (3) term. The board members are eligible to succeed

themselves. A vacancy, other than by expiration of a term, shall be filled in the manner of the

original appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term.

     (c) Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of the board shall be

required for all recommendations, advice, and approvals of the board, in accordance with this

section.

     (d) A board member shall not receive compensation for his or her service on the board but

may receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses, while engaged in the

performance of official duties of the board.

     (e) The board shall elect annually a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its

membership chairperson of the board shall be the commissioner or acting commissioner of the

office of energy resources.

     (f) The board shall receive staff and administrative support from the division, to organize

meetings and take and distribute minutes. The division shall also furnish the advisory board a

suitable location to hold its meetings.

     (g) The board shall meet at least quarterly monthly and at the call of the chairperson or four

(4) board members. The administrator shall be present for all board meetings to inform the board

of the actions of the division and to respond to the board’s inquiries.

     (h) The board shall review legislative proposals and comment on existing state laws

relating to residential ratepayers.

     (i) The board shall advise the administrator on matters concerning residential ratepayers

including, but not limited to utility shutoff policies, rate affordability, conservation measures,

consumer education, smart meters and/or restricted use meters, customer service charges,

legislation pending before the general assembly, and legislative initiatives.

     (j) The advisory board shall issue an annual report of findings, including recommendations

on current or proposed state programs, policies, regulations, and laws, to the governor and the

general assembly.

     (k) The board shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 2 of title 38, access to public

records act, and chapter 46 of title 42, open meetings act.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

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     This act would change the requirements of quarterly meetings of the board to monthly

meetings. The chairperson of the board would be the commissioner or acting commissioner of the

office of energy resources.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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