2026 -- S 2535

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LC004472

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES

COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE CREATION AND ADOPTION OF A SEASONAL

HEAT PUMP RATE AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

     

     Introduced By: Senators DiMario, Britto, Euer, Lauria, Zurier, Mack, DiPalma, Vargas,
Gu, and Bissaillon

     Date Introduced: February 13, 2026

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

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     WHEREAS, There exists the need for specific electric heat pump rate designs that

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encourage clean heating and lower prices, similar to actions currently taken in other states; and

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     WHEREAS, The current rate structure overcharges heat pump owners for their usage of

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the electric distribution grid; and

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     WHEREAS, In addition, seasonal heat pump rates are designed to lower electricity costs

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for consumers by offering reduced distribution charges during colder months; and

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     WHEREAS, Massachusetts has already implemented seasonal heat pump rates, setting a

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precedent and a successful procedure for consumer notification and implementation; and

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     WHEREAS, The Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council, in its 2025 Climate

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Action Strategy, indicates that Rhode Island needs to increase adoption of electric heating in

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order for the state to meet its 2030, 2040 and 2050 climate goals; and

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     WHEREAS, Rhode Island Energy has opened Docket 25-45-GE at the Public Utilities

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Commission to adjust distribution rates for all Rhode Island customers; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby formally requests that

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Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission consider the creation and adoption of a seasonal heat

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pump rate as part of Docket 25-45-GE; and be it further

 

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

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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Chairman Ronald T. Gerwatowski, the Rhode

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Island Public Utilities Commission, and President Greg Cornett, Rhode Island Energy.

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LC004472

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