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Rhode IslandH55752025 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- LONG TERM CONTRACTING STANDARDS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY .

Sponsored By: Joseph J. Solomon, Jr. (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Utilities get paid for long-term energy contracts

The law expands extra pay for electric utilities carrying approved long-term energy contracts, beyond newly developed renewable power. For contracts approved from January 1, 2022, annual pay is capped at 1% of actual payments for commercially operating projects. There is no December 31, 2026 end date. Contracts approved from January 1, 2027 require commission approval based on evidence of added financial risk. This pay is separate from recovery of contract costs. The commission can adjust it when a utility’s actual return on equity exceeds its allowed return for that year. Household bill effects depend on commission decisions.

Utilities gain power options with new limits

Rhode Island electric and gas utilities can voluntarily seek long-term contracts for large-scale hydro, nuclear, and eligible renewable power. Purchases must be commercially reasonable, and contracts need public review and utility commission approval. This contract authority excludes small-scale hydro and does not require all resources to qualify under the state renewable energy standard. Separately, the state energy office can help run competitive bids for regional power lines carrying nuclear or hydro power. That transmission authority includes large- and small-scale hydro from domestic or international sources; projects must benefit Rhode Island and its ratepayers. The law does not guarantee construction or household savings, and approved contract costs can affect bills.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joseph J. Solomon, Jr.

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Stephen M. Casey

    Democratic • House

  • Brian Patrick Kennedy

    Democratic • House

  • Charlene Lima

    Democratic • House

  • Thomas E. Noret

    Democratic • House

  • William W. O'Brien

    Democratic • House

  • Earl A. Read, III

    Democratic • House

  • Paul M. Santucci

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 96 • No: 14

Senate vote • 6/18/2025

PUBLIC UTILITIES/CARRIERS - LONG TERM CONTRACTING STANDARDS In Concurrence Passage

Yes: 23 • No: 14

House vote • 5/20/2025

CONTRACTING / RENEWABLE ENERGY PASSAGE

Yes: 73 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 101

    6/23/2025Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/18/2025Governor

  3. Senate passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/18/2025Senate

  4. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/18/2025)

    6/13/2025Senate

  5. Committee recommends passage of Sub A in concurrence

    6/2/2025

  6. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2025)

    5/30/2025

  7. Referred to Senate Commerce

    5/30/2025Senate

  8. House passed Sub A

    5/20/2025House

  9. Placed on House Calendar (05/20/2025)

    5/16/2025House

  10. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    5/15/2025

  11. Proposed Substitute

    5/9/2025

  12. Scheduled for consideration (05/15/2025)

    5/9/2025

  13. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/1/2025

  14. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/01/2025)

    3/28/2025

  15. Introduced, referred to House Corporations

    2/26/2025House

Bill Text

  • H5575 - As Introduced

    2/26/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • H5575 - Substitute

    2/26/2025

    HTMLPDF

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