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SB 2797

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- MORATORIUM ON NET METERING, LONG-TERM CONTRACTS AND SUBSIDIES FOR HEAT PUMPS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou Raptakis and 2 co-sponsors

SB 2797 would pause net metering, long-term renewable contracts, and heat pump subsidies, potentially slowing Rhode Island's clean energy transition and raising utility versus sustainability tradeoffs.

03/04/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
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Bill Summary · SB 2797

Legislative bill overview

SB 2797 would establish a moratorium on net metering policies, long-term utility contracts, and subsidies for heat pump installations in Rhode Island. Net metering allows distributed solar or renewable energy producers to receive credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The bill would pause these three policy mechanisms, potentially affecting renewable energy adoption and heating system transitions.

Why is this important

These policies have been central to Rhode Island's clean energy strategy and consumer incentives for residential renewable energy and heat pump adoption. A moratorium could slow the state's progress toward decarbonization goals, reduce consumer financial incentives for transitioning away from fossil fuels, and impact the solar and heat pump industries operating in the state. It also signals potential tension between utility economics and renewable energy expansion.

Potential points of contention

  • Utility cost-shifting concerns: Opponents of net metering argue it shifts grid maintenance costs to non-solar customers; proponents counter that solar reduces grid strain and should be fairly compensated
  • Clean energy goals conflict: The moratorium contradicts Rhode Island's stated climate commitments and renewable portfolio standards, creating policy inconsistency
  • Consumer impact and equity: Eliminating heat pump subsidies disproportionately affects lower-income households unable to afford high upfront costs for efficient heating systems, raising environmental justice questions

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

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