RI H7879

Public utilities serving over 25,000 ratepayers must identify 2-12 potential locations for thermal energy network feasibility studies within 12 months and commence at least 2 studies within 18 months of the act's effective date.

At least one study location must be within or directly benefit an environmental justice focus area, defined as census tracts with household income below 65% of state median, minority population at or above 40%, or 25%+ households lacking English proficiency.

Specific locations to be considered include Port of Providence, Lower South Providence, URI campuses, Aquidneck Island, Quonset development corporation facilities, and the Pastore center campus.

The Public Utilities Commission must form a 12-member thermal energy network taskforce including representatives from OER, AFL-CIO, building trades, utilities, and environmental justice advocates to evaluate feasibility studies and advise on statewide deployment.

Natural gas utilities may own, construct, and operate thermal energy networks with PUC approval on a project-specific basis, with reasonable costs recoverable through rates after demonstrating pursuit of non-ratepayer funding sources like federal grants and tax credits.