| R 343 |
| 2018 -- S 3011 Enacted 06/23/2018 |
| S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N |
| REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND ATTORNEY GENERAL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES, THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND TRAINING, AND THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION AND DIVISION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES CARRIERS, TO GENERATE A SOLAR CONSUMER RIGHTS GUIDE |
| Introduced By: Senator Joshua Miller |
| Date Introduced: June 23, 2018 |
| WHEREAS, With dropping costs and increasing availability and options, residential |
| utilization of solar energy systems has grown rapidly over the past decade; and |
| WHEREAS, Many Rhode Island homeowners interested in investing in and installing a |
| solar system need guidance through the intricacies involved in the decision-making process; and |
| WHEREAS, Due to multiple options available to consumers, understanding the |
| differences and financial ramifications between or among those options, as well as the laws and |
| policies governing local utilities, is necessary in order for consumers to make the correct |
| decision; and |
| WHEREAS, In an effort to make "going solar" as streamlined and accessible as possible, |
| a Guide to Solar Power for residential consumers is essential; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations |
| hereby respectfully requests the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection, in |
| conjunction with the Office of Energy Resources, the Department of Labor and Training, and the |
| Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities Carriers, to generate a Solar |
| Consumer Rights Guide that includes, but is not limited to: |
| 1. An index of consumers' rights and the contracting terms used in solar purchase |
| agreements/leases/loans; |
| 2. Information on potential effects from future changes to electricity rates; |
| 3. Information on state and federal solar programs and associated incentives available to |
| them, including the Federal Investment Tax Credit, Renewable Energy Growth Tariff and Net |
| Metering Programs; |
| 4. Explanation of financial options available including ownership, lease, PPA, and solar |
| loans; |
| 5. Listing of the licensing requirements for solar companies; |
| 6. Advice concerning the need to obtain multiple quotes as well as the rights and |
| obligations required when a home is sold with leased solar panels, and any other useful tips; and |
| 7. Contact information for the departments/agencies responsible for information, |
| oversight and investigation of questions and/or complaints; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby respectfully requests the Office of the Rhode |
| Island Attorney General to prepare and provide a "Residential Solar Consumer Guide" to the |
| Senate on or before September 1, 2018; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, |
| Rhode Island Attorney General, the Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy |
| Resources, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and the |
| Commissioner of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities |
| Carriers. |
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| LC004849 |
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