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HB 7877

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- APPLIANCE AND EQUIPMENT ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY STANDARDS ACT OF 2021

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island establishes mandatory energy and water efficiency standards for appliances to reduce consumer costs and environmental impact while creating compliance obligations for manufacturers and retailers.

04/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7877

Legislative bill overview

HB 7877 establishes energy and water efficiency standards for appliances and equipment sold in Rhode Island, requiring manufacturers to meet specified performance benchmarks. The bill aligns state requirements with federal efficiency standards or, where federal standards don't exist, establishes state-level minimum efficiency thresholds to reduce consumption of energy and water.

Why is this important

Energy and water efficiency standards reduce utility costs for consumers and lower overall demand on the state's energy and water infrastructure. These regulations also create market incentives for manufacturers to innovate around efficiency, potentially reducing Rhode Island's carbon emissions and environmental footprint while addressing rising utility rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact on manufacturers and retailers: Compliance costs may be passed to consumers through higher appliance prices, and businesses may argue the standards are economically burdensome, particularly for smaller retailers
  • Preemption concerns: Some stakeholders may contend state efficiency standards should defer to federal regulations to avoid a patchwork of state-by-state requirements that complicate manufacturing and distribution
  • Scope and stringency: Disagreement may arise over which appliances/equipment are covered and how strict the efficiency targets should be, balancing environmental benefits against affordability and market feasibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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