Rhode IslandS30802026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK AND JOB ACT .

Sponsored By: Robert Britto (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New taskforce and state rules for networks

A 12‑member taskforce now advises on studies, pilots, funding, and worker transition. It meets at least quarterly and sends a report within 18 months after getting full study results. The Public Utilities Commission must issue rules within 18 months. Rules must cover fair market access, cost‑effectiveness tests, rate structures, and worker training and transition. The commission must consider the taskforce’s advice and findings when making these rules.

Thermal network costs and your bill

The law lets utilities recover reasonable planning and pilot costs in customer rates, after review by the Public Utilities Commission. Utilities must first try for grants, tax credits, and low‑interest loans. Any outside funding lowers what customers pay. The commission approves pilot cost recovery only if the project shows a net benefit, including energy savings and pollution cuts. The commission may also allow use of existing demand‑side management charges to plan and build networks. State and federal programs can help pay for studies, which can reduce rate impacts.

Gas utilities can run thermal networks

With approval from the Public Utilities Commission, natural gas utilities may build, own, or run thermal energy networks and charge customers. Approval is granted case by case and does not give territory‑wide rights. Cities, cooperatives, nonprofits, and others can also develop networks.

Study sites must include disadvantaged areas

Covered utilities must pick 2 to 12 places for feasibility studies within 12 months. They must start at least 2 studies within 18 months. At least one study area must be in or directly benefit an environmental justice area. An environmental justice area meets one or more tests: income at or below 65% of the statewide median, at least 40% minority population, 25% or more households lack English, or at least 25% minority and the town’s median income is no more than 150% of the statewide median. These rules apply to gas or electric distribution companies that serve more than 25,000 customers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Robert Britto
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Jacob Bissaillon
Democratic • Senate
Mark P. McKenney
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 1

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

Senate vote • 6/4/2026

PUBLIC UTILITIES & CARRIERS UTILITY OWNERSHIP ELECTRIC FAC. Passage