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SB 2631

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

A comprehensive study by the PUC and DPUC will identify and recommend ways to lower Rhode Island’s electric and gas energy costs, including program reforms and a cost impact note.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2631

Summary of Bill SB 2631 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Primary Purpose

To commission a comprehensive study led by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in partnership with the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to identify ways to lower energy costs for Rhode Island consumers. The study will compare Rhode Island’s energy policies and rates to those in other states and examine existing energy programs to determine which contribute to higher costs and which could be terminated or reformed.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of Study (Section 39-1-64):

    • The PUC, in conjunction with the DPUC, must produce a comprehensive study for the General Assembly.
    • Deadline for the study’s transmission: April 30, 2027.
    • Target recipients: Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President.

  • Funding ( subsection (b) ):

    • Appropriation of $100,000 to hire consultants and experts to assist with the study.

  • Scope and Objectives ( subsection (c)(1) & (c)(2) ):

    • Conduct a holistic review aimed at determining the best ways to lower all energy rates for consumers (electric and gas).
    • Include an analysis of energy rates in other states to identify practices that lower rates in those jurisdictions.
    • Review all Rhode Island energy programs to identify those that add to energy costs and explore which programs could be terminated to reduce rates.
    • Provide a comprehensive review of Rhode Island energy policies and lessons from other states’ programs.
    • Develop a research plan to hire consultants and accomplish the study’s mission.
    • Recommendations must consider energy cost impacts of proposed legislation, with an “energy note” similar to fiscal notes to transparently show positive or negative effects on energy costs.
    • Empower the PUC and DPUC to study any other areas relevant to lowering ratepayer energy costs.

  • Effective Date (Section 2):

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Entities Involved:

    • Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
    • Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC)

  • Impact on Ratepayers:

    • The study targets reduced energy costs for Rhode Island electric and gas consumers.
    • Potential policy and program reforms could alter which energy programs remain and how energy costs are allocated or funded.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral:

    • Introduced February 13, 2026; referred to Senate Commerce.

  • Hearings/Consideration:

    • Scheduled for April 24, 2026 (per action history).

  • Major Milestones:

    • Final comprehensive study due by April 30, 2027.
    • Public dissemination to key state leaders (Governor, Speaker, Senate President).

Additional Notes

  • The bill emphasizes transparency in evaluating proposed energy-related legislation, requiring an energy cost impact note akin to fiscal notes.
  • The study is intended to be holistic, comparative ( Rhode Island vs. other states), and focused on identifying actionable steps to reduce consumer energy bills.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with Rhode Island’s current energy programs or outline potential policy options that might emerge from such a study.

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

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