2026 -- H 8226

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LC005927

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMENDING RHODE ISLAND ENERGY AND LOCAL UTILITY WORKERS ON

RESTORATION EFFORTS DURING EXTREME WINTER WEATHER EVENTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Solomon, Chippendale,
Paplauskas, Casimiro, Casey, Kennedy, Ajello, and Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: March 03, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Extreme weather patterns present serious risk to the wellbeing of Rhode

Islanders and their property, as well as to vital infrastructure, including our energy systems; and

     WHEREAS, The 2025-2026 winter season challenged Rhode Island with unseasonably

low temperatures, strong winds, and record levels of snowfall; and

     WHEREAS, In January 2026, Winter Storm Fern impacted more than half of the U.S. –

including Rhode Island – with severe weather that led to more than one million power outages

nationwide; and

     WHEREAS, The regional grid operator, ISO-New England, acknowledged on February

3rd that “New England’s power system experienced its most challenging operating conditions

since the winter of 2017/2018,” adding that “Prolonged cold temperatures drove consumer

demand for electricity sharply upward, both at peak moments and in overall usage, placing

sustained pressure on the power system”; and

     WHEREAS, Throughout that extreme cold and at other relevant times this winter, Rhode

Island Energy’s union and non-union natural gas workers kept the system running and gas

flowing to homes and businesses across the State; and

     WHEREAS, On February 22, 2026, a State of Emergency was declared in Rhode Island

and other New England states in advance of Winter Storm Hernando, which ultimately shattered

previous snowfall records; and

     WHEREAS, Winter Storm Hernando brought heavy snow accumulations of more than

three feet, blizzard conditions for 10 hours, and wind gusts over 70 mph, knocking down trees,

damaging power lines, and causing substantial damage to the grid, including 50,000 power

outages in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Traveling conditions, blocked roads, road closures, snow drifts, and massive

snow accumulations created challenging conditions for restoration; and

     WHEREAS, Thanks to Rhode Island Energy’s commitment to safe and reliable energy

systems and the dedication and perseverance of its more than 1,300 union and nonunion

employees, the Ocean State was prepared to respond to widespread damage and power outages;

and

     WHEREAS, Throughout Winter Storm Hernando, Rhode Island Energy deployed

hundreds of crews across the state to assess damage, clean up debris, and restore power amid

some of the most severe winter weather Rhode Island has ever experienced; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island Energy restored power to more than 99% of the over 50,000

customers impacted in under 48 hours following historic blizzard conditions; and

     WHEREAS, Prudent investments in critical energy infrastructure are essential to

hardening local energy systems against extreme weather events and the effects of climate change;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

recognizes and commends Rhode Island Energy and its workforce, including essential utility

personnel, for their efforts to restore power and helping to keep Rhode Islanders safe during

Winter Storm Hernando and other extreme weather events; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Greg Cornett, President of Rhode Island

Energy.

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