Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0500

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Provides that water utility companies be responsible for all costs associated with maintenance, operation and delivery of water pumping stations to individual parcels of land and schools with no pumping stations on the property.

Impact

The implications of S0500 are significant for both water utility companies and the communities they serve. By shifting the financial responsibility for pumping stations onto the utility companies, the bill aims to facilitate better infrastructure management and could lead to improved water service reliability in previously underserved areas. This could also encourage development in regions currently lacking essential water services, as reliable supply can be a deciding factor for residential and commercial projects.

Summary

Bill S0500 addresses the responsibilities of water utility companies by mandating that they cover all costs related to the maintenance, operation, and delivery of water pumping stations to individual parcels of land, including schools lacking such facilities. This bill aims to ensure that water service infrastructure is adequately funded and maintained by the respective utility providers, thereby enhancing access to potable water in various communities. The inclusion of schools highlights a specific concern for educational facilities, emphasizing the importance of reliable water supply for their operations.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns and possible points of contention surrounding the bill. Opponents might argue that placing the full financial burden on utility companies could result in higher water rates for consumers, as companies may seek to recover these costs. Additionally, discussions on the fairness of such financial arrangements may arise, particularly in relation to how it affects rural versus urban areas. There may also be debates on the readiness of utility companies to absorb these new responsibilities without sacrificing service quality or accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7511

Provides that water utility companies be responsible for all costs associated with maintenance, operation and delivery of water pumping stations to individual parcels of land and schools with no pumping stations on the property.

RI S0592

Water Supply

RI H5846

Water Supply

RI H7618

Creates a new motor vehicle registration for "forestry vehicles" also provides that forest product operations are permitted uses within all zoning districts of a municipality except where prohibited.

RI S2412

Renames 46-19.1, allows existing docks on ponds with 1400 normal storage feet of water per DEM, allows property owner to commence work on property without pond owner authorization.

RI H7653

Renames 46-19.1, allows existing docks on ponds with 1400 normal storage feet of water per DEM, allows property owner to commence work on property without pond owner authorization.

RI S2035

Allows a property owner with eligible net-metering systems with a master meter to allocate excess net metering credits to any meter on the property.

RI H5784

Forestry And Forest Product Operations

RI H7285

Establishes thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).

RI S2413

Spells out the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant with respect to the inspection and treatment of bed bugs in residential premises.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.