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SB 2655

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SITING AND REGULATORY ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will require cost-effectiveness analyses and use of grid-enhancing technologies and energy storage in high-voltage transmission planning and siting to improve grid rel

05/20/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2655

Summary of SB 2655 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Main purpose and intent

SB 2655 amends Rhode Island’s Electric Transmission Siting and Regulatory Act and related statutes to:
- Expand and formalize how high-voltage transmission projects are regulated and evaluated.
- Require greater consideration of cost-effectiveness and timing in capital projects.
- Introduce and promote the use of grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) and energy storage as part of the state’s utilities planning and climate goals.
- Integrate the net-zero and greenhouse gas reduction mandates into siting decisions and infrastructure planning.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Regulations on high-voltage transmission siting (Section 1)

    • The energy facility siting board is authorized and directed to establish rules governing construction of high-voltage transmission lines of 69 kV or greater, including replacement, rebuild, or expansion of existing lines.

  2. New PUCT/Commissions framework for performance incentives and GETs (Section 2)

    • Adds a new section (39-1-64) to require distribution or transmission companies, in base rate proceedings, to conduct cost-effectiveness and timetable analyses comparing multiple strategies, including advanced conductors, grid-enhancing technologies, and energy storage.
    • If GETs or storage offer a more cost-effective or beneficial strategy (e.g., reliability, security, reduced emissions), the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) can approve deployment, consistent with federal law.
    • Allows for a performance incentive mechanism to reward cost-effective deployment of enhanced technologies.
    • Requires infrastructure, safety, and reliability plans (from FY 2028 onward) to explicitly investigate GETs as part of meeting Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas reduction mandates and improving grid performance and security.
    • Directs the PUC, in coordination with the Office of Energy Resources, to conduct an independent investigation on GETs and advanced conductors (including dynamic line rating, topology optimization, and related software) for federally jurisdictional transmission/distribution applications.
    • The investigation must assess cost-effectiveness, public interest, cost-sharing, and benefits (lower energy costs, faster DER interconnection, reduced curtailment, resilience, security, outage coordination).
    • A report on the investigation is due to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027.
    • PUC may promulgate implementing rules.

  3. Energy Facility Siting Act definitions and application requirements (Section 3)

    • Revisions to Chapter 42-98 to define and clarify terms related to advanced conductors, grid-enhancing technologies, dynamic line rating, topology optimization, and energy storage as assets.
    • Expands the concept of “major energy facility” to encompass larger electric generation and transmission facilities, with regulatory flexibility to define additional facilities as needed.
    • Applications must include comprehensive project details, life-cycle plans, environmental and health impact analyses (including EMF prudent avoidance), cost estimates, regional needs alignment, and consideration of non-wires alternatives and existing rights-of-way.
    • Applicants must address regional grid planning alignment and provide reasons if they do not utilize existing rights-of-way; the board may expedite transmission projects that use existing rights-of-way.
    • The board must accept or challenge applications within 30 days and docket them if complete; deficient applications are returned with specified deficiencies and a resubmission window.

Who is affected

  • Public utilities and transmission/distribution companies operating in Rhode Island.
  • The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Office of Energy Resources.
  • The Energy Facility Siting Board (which governs siting of large energy facilities).
  • Project applicants seeking certification for high-voltage transmission projects and related infrastructure.
  • General public, through environmental, health, and EMF considerations, as well as grid reliability and potential climate benefits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Independent GETs investigation: to be initiated by the PUC with a final report due by September 1, 2027.
  • Implementation: climate and grid planning considerations begin in fiscal year 2028 for certain planning requirements.
  • Rules: the PUC may promulgate rules to implement the GETs provisions and related analyses.

Overall impact

SB 2655 aims to modernize Rhode Island’s electric grid planning and transmission siting by explicitly incorporating advanced technologies, cost-effectiveness analyses, and climate objectives into decision-making. It seeks to promote grid reliability, security, reduced emissions, and more efficient deployment of transmission infrastructure through performance incentives, independent analysis, and robust application requirements.

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

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