Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.
Impact
If enacted, S0593 would significantly alter the financial practices of large public utilities. Utilities would be required to absorb the costs of advertising and other non-essential expenditures, which could lead to more responsible fiscal management and a potential reduction in utility rates for consumers. However, the bill also emphasizes that utilities must maintain transparency in their expenditures, as regulatory oversight will be enforced to ensure compliance. The implications could promote a more focused approach toward necessary operational costs and investments in service reliability and efficiency.
Summary
S0593 is a proposed act concerning the regulation of public utilities in Rhode Island, specifically focusing on the costs that utilities can recover through their rate structures. The bill mandates that public utilities serving more than 100,000 customers cannot pass on costs associated with advertising, marketing, political contributions, and similar operational activities to their ratepayers. This prohibition aims to ensure that consumers do not bear the burden of such expenses, promoting transparency and accountability within the utility industry.
Contention
The discussions surrounding S0593 indicate potential contention, particularly from stakeholders who believe that such prohibitions might limit the utilities' ability to effectively market renewable energy initiatives and public safety campaigns. Some lawmakers argue that necessary educational outreach regarding energy services and safety protocols could be undermined by this restriction. The balance between protecting ratepayers and allowing utilities the freedom to convey important information is likely to be a central point of debate as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
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).
Amends several provisions relative the powers and duties of the PUC and requires the submission by utilities of integrated distribution system plans identifying solutions to reduce greenhouse gases.
Requires all public utilities to maintain a customer service facility within the state to perform services such as addressing customer inquiries and accepting bill payments.
Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.
Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.
Removes the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.
Provides that the renewable energy fund remains in existence until December 31, 2033, to align with the mandate that 100% of Rhode Island's electricity demand is from renewable energy and also complies with federal grant requirements.
Provides that the renewable energy fund remains in existence until December 31, 2033, to align with the mandate that 100% of Rhode Island's electricity demand is from renewable energy and also complies with federal grant requirements.