RI H7727

Establishes a 15-member Offshore Wind Procurement Policy Study Commission to evaluate policies and procurement structures for achieving 1,200 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2030

Commission members include state legislators, agency heads (Office of Energy Resources, Public Utilities Commission, DEM), Rhode Island Energy, environmental advocates, labor representatives, ratepayer advocates, and experts in offshore wind, grid planning, and environmental justice

Commission must study procurement authority (whether it should remain with Rhode Island Energy or transfer to a state entity), evaluation criteria, multi-state coordination with ISO-NE states, contract pricing mechanisms, infrastructure needs, and workforce development

Requires annual reports to the governor and General Assembly starting October 30, 2027, with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources initiating rulemaking within 180 days of the first report to implement recommendations

Commission appointments due by September 30, 2026, first meeting by October 30, 2026, and the commission sunsets December 31, 2030 unless extended