All Roll Calls
Yes: 108 • No: 1
Rhode IslandH78792026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK AND JOB ACT .
Sponsored By: Terri Cortvriend (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
State sets rules and a taskforce
The PUC must adopt rules within 18 months to govern thermal energy networks. The rules cover fair access, climate and pollution limits, cost‑effectiveness, rate structures, and training and transition for fossil‑fuel workers. The PUC must consider advice from a 12‑member taskforce it creates. The taskforce meets at least quarterly, tracks studies and pilots, recommends funding and pilot locations, and plans workforce transitions. It must submit a report within 18 months after receiving full study results, then ends six months later unless extended.
Protections on pilot costs for ratepayers
Utilities can recover reasonable planning and compliance costs only if the PUC approves them as just and reasonable. Utilities must seek grants, tax credits, or low‑cost loans first, and any outside funding reduces what ratepayers pay. After a study, the PUC approves pilot cost recovery only when the pilot gives a net benefit, including emissions cuts and cost savings. Utilities do not have to run a pilot unless the PUC approves it and allows full cost recovery, except for parts paid by grants. The PUC may also let utilities use DSM charges for planning, design, and construction of thermal networks.
Gas utilities can run thermal networks
With PUC approval for each project, gas distribution utilities can build, own, and operate thermal energy networks. They can sell thermal energy and charge customers. Approval is on a project‑by‑project basis and does not grant broad service‑territory control. States, cities, co‑ops, and nonprofits can still build and run their own networks.
Utilities must study thermal network sites
Within 12 months, utilities must name 2 to 12 locations for thermal energy studies. Within 18 months, they must start at least two studies. At least one site must be in or directly benefit an environmental justice area. Utilities, towns, and public‑private groups can use state and federal grants and technical help to pay for these studies. The Office of Energy Resources can use Lead by Example funds to support this work.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Terri Cortvriend
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House
John G. Edwards
Democratic • House
Arthur Handy
Democratic • House
Michelle E. McGaw
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/11/2026
PUBLIC UTILITIES/CARRIERS -- THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK JOBS ACT In Concurrence
Yes: 38 • No: 0
House vote • 6/9/2026
THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK /JOBS ACT PASSAGE
Yes: 70 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Effective without Governor's signature — Chapter 339
6/24/2026GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/16/2026GovernorSenate passed Sub A in concurrence
6/11/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (06/11/2026)
6/9/2026SenateHouse passed Sub A
6/9/2026HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/09/2026)
6/8/2026HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
6/8/2026Proposed Substitute
6/5/2026Scheduled for consideration (06/08/2026)
6/5/2026Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/19/2026Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/19/2026)
3/13/2026Introduced, referred to House Corporations
2/27/2026House
Bill Text
H7879 - As Introduced
2/27/2026
H7879 - Substitute
2/27/2026
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