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3/20/2025
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MEDIA ADVISORY: House Committee on Corporations to hear energy-related legislation, including bill to cap utility profits
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STATE HOUSE — The House Committee on Corporations will meet today to hear testimony on legislation related to energy and public utilities, including a bill (2025-H 5018) introduced by Rep. Megan L. Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond) that would put a limit in state law on the profit that can be reaped by utilities distributing electricity and natural gas in Rhode Island.
The committee will meet today, Thursday, March 20, at the rise of the House (about 5 p.m.) in the House Lounge on the second floor of the State House.
The committee will also hear the following bills:
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2025-H 5068—This bill, introduced by Rep. Cherie L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket), would extend the forbearance of utility terminations for customers with serious illness certifications and would amend various provisions related to the termination of utility services for persons who are disabled, seriously ill, or in arrears.
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2025-H 5106 — This bill, introduced by Rep. John J. Lombardi (D-Dist. 8, Providence), would provide that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or 5.5%, whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the General Assembly.
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2025-H 5161— This bill, introduced by Representative Cotter, would create a special joint legislative study commission to study public ownership of certain public utilities, including electricity and natural gas.
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2025-H 5245—This bill, introduced by Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence), would create an income-sensitive tiered subsidy program to ensure that home energy utility costs are affordable for eligible low-income households.
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2025-H 5484 — This bill, introduced by Rep. Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), would increase the penalties for public utilities for violations of the general law governing the duties of utilities and carriers.
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2025-H 5547 — This bill, introduced by Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick), would increase the public utilities reserve fund cap and the cap on expenses relating to the public utilities commission and the division of public utilities and carriers representing the state before federal agencies.
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2025-H 5577 — This bill, introduced by Representative Cotter, would impose requirements and actions that certain electric distribution and gas distribution companies must meet prior to implementing rate changes.
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2025-H 5813 — This bill, introduced by Rep. Justine A. Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), would mandate any utility provider from increasing the transmission and distribution fees paid by a consumer for a period of two years.
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2025-H 5814 — This bill, introduced by Rep. Charlene M. Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence), would require the PUC to produce report on comprehensive study by April 30, 2026.
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2025-H 5815— This bill, introduced by Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence), would establish an intervenor support program to provide compensation for an intervenor who makes a substantial contribution to a proceeding resulting in a decision favorable to the interest of utility consumers.
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2025-H 5818— This bill, introduced by Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston), would prohibit public utilities, serving greater than 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.
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2025-H 5281— This bill, introduced by Representative Handy, would provide amendments to procedures necessary for approval of transactions between utilities by giving the public utilities commission jurisdiction; mandates public hearings, allows intervention by any interested party and provides for appeal.
The Committee on Corporations is chaired by Representative Solomon. The meeting will be live streamed at capitoltvri.cablecast.tv.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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