RI
Rhode Island Senate Bill S0969

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0969

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Changes utility company billing practices so that when a gas electric utility changes their customer billing, they are required to file a copy of the new bill with the PUC for approval, with a complete explanation of the changes.

Impact

If enacted, S0969 would significantly impact existing laws related to utility billing. The requirement for utilities to file any material changes to their billing formats with the PUC means that customers would have a clearer understanding of any alterations made to their bills. Additionally, this bill empowers the PUC to review and potentially approve changes, which could lead to greater standardization and clarity in utility billing practices across the state. This increased oversight could also support broader environmental and energy policies that aim to improve consumer awareness and engagement with utility services.

Summary

S0969 aims to amend the regulations governing public utilities in Rhode Island, specifically targeting the billing practices of electric and gas companies. The proposed legislation mandates that utility companies provide the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) with copies of the form, content, and design of their customer bills. This allows the PUC to review these elements and require modifications if deemed in the public interest or beneficial for advancing energy and environmental policy initiatives. The goal of this bill is to enhance transparency for consumers regarding their utility bills and ensure that changes made by companies are subject to oversight.

Contention

While proponents of S0969 argue that increased oversight of utility billing is crucial for protecting consumer interests, there may be concerns from utility companies regarding the administrative burden this creates. Some may view the requirement to submit detailed explanations for changes as onerous or detrimental to operational flexibility. Discussions around the bill could reveal a division between those prioritizing consumer protection and transparency, and those advocating for the regulatory autonomy of utility providers. This dynamic may lead to debates in legislative sessions as lawmakers consider the ramifications of enhanced regulatory oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S3066

Changes utility company billing practices so that when a gas electric utility changes their customer billing, they would be required to file a copy of the new bill with the PUC for approval, with a complete explanation of the changes.

RI H8295

Changes utility company billing practices so that when a gas electric utility changes their customer billing, they would be required to file a copy of the new bill with the PUC for approval, with a complete explanation of the changes.

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 H7695

Prohibit rate charges in excess of rates applied if tenant of residential complexes with electrical master-meters receives electricity directly from a public utility.

RI S2640

Prohibit rate charges in excess of rates applied if tenant of residential complexes with electrical master-meters receives electricity directly from a public utility.

RI H7557

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.

RI S2036

Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers needs.

RI H7017

Directs PUC to extend utility termination moratorium for gas/electricity from April 15 to May 1, of each year with discretion to respond to emergency/ economic conditions/customers' needs.

RI S2506

Requires the public utilities commission (PUC) to produce a report by January 1, 2025 and each January 1 thereafter, on the ability for the current electric grid to handle the electrification load need to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes.

RI H7810

Requires the public utilities commission (PUC) to produce a report by January 1, 2025 and each January 1 thereafter, on the ability for the current electric grid to handle the electrification load need to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.