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SR 2354

SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO TERMINATE GAS LINE EXTENSION ALLOWANCES AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Bell and 9 co-sponsors

Urges RIPUC to terminate gas line extension allowances in Docket 25-45-GE to reduce natural gas use for home heating and decarbonize Rhode Island.

06/10/2026 Senate passed Sub A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 2354

Overview

  • Bill: SR 2354
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Type: Senate Resolution
  • Topic: Requesting the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) to terminate gas line extension allowances as part of Docket 25-45-GE
  • Introduced: January 30, 2026
  • Sponsors: Senators DiMario, Britto, Zurier, Euer, Vargas, Lauria, Ujifusa, Mack, Bell, Valverde, Lauria (plus co-sponsors listed)

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution formally urges RIPUC to terminate the practice of gas line extension allowances within the ongoing docket 25-45-GE, which concerns distribution rates and tariffs for Rhode Island Energy.
  • It aligns with climate policy objectives cited by the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council, emphasizing a reduction in natural gas use for home heating to meet 2030–2050 emissions reduction targets.
  • The underlying rationale is that extending gas service to new customers (and subsidizing associated gas infrastructure) can lock in long-lived (potentially 2050+ horizon) fossil-fuel-dependent infrastructure, thereby undermining decarbonization goals.

Key Provisions

  • The resolution requests RIPUC to terminate gas line extension allowances as part of Docket 25-45-GE.
  • It acknowledges that electric customers already bear the costs of new electric distribution connections, drawing a contrast with the gas side (where current tariffs spread extension costs across all gas customers).
  • It directs the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:
    • Chairman Ronald T. Gerwatowski, RIPUC
    • President Greg Cornett, Rhode Island Energy

Entities Affected

  • Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC): to consider and implement termination of gas line extension allowances within Docket 25-45-GE.
  • Rhode Island Energy: as the utility subject to tariff adjustments and the ongoing docket; potentially affected by changes to cost recovery for new gas connections.
  • Gas customers in Rhode Island: would be impacted indirectly through changes to cost allocation for new connections.
  • Electric utility framework: highlighted as a contrast point, since electric customers already bear the costs of new electric connections individually.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral and consideration:
    • Referred to the Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee upon introduction (January 30, 2026).
    • Scheduled for hearing/consideration on May 20, 2026 (as of the action history).
  • Nature of measure:
    • A Senate Resolution, not a bill proposing law text, serving as formal guidance or expression of the Senate’s position to RIPUC and other parties.
  • Next steps:
    • If adopted by the Senate, the resolution would be transmitted to RIPUC and Rhode Island Energy, potentially influencing regulatory discussions in Docket 25-45-GE.

Potential Impact

  • Policy direction: Signals legislative preference for phasing out or terminating gas line extension subsidies, supporting decarbonization goals.
  • Rate design implications: Could shift burden and incentives away from expanding gas service to new customers, potentially accelerating adoption of electric heating or other low-carbon alternatives.
  • Climate goals alignment: Supports state climate action objectives to reduce reliance on natural gas for residential heating by 2030–2050.

Summary

SR 2354 is a Senate resolution urging RIPUC to terminate gas line extension allowances within Docket 25-45-GE, aligning regulatory actions with climate goals to reduce natural gas use for home heating and avoid subsidizing long-lived gas infrastructure. The measure emphasizes equity with electric rate structures and requests formal communication of the resolution to RIPUC and Rhode Island Energy. A hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2026.

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

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