RI H7881

Public utilities with more than 100,000 customers providing heat, electricity, natural gas, or water are prohibited from recovering through customer rates costs for advertising, marketing, or communications intended to influence public opinion, unless specifically approved by the commission

Utilities cannot pass on to ratepayers costs for trade association dues, charitable contributions to 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, lobbying expenses, or political contributions

Executive expenses including board/officer travel, lodging, entertainment, gifts, corporate aircraft use, and investor relations costs are prohibited from rate recovery

For rate proceedings initiated on or after July 1, 2026, utilities cannot recover costs associated with their participation in those proceedings, including attorneys' fees, expert witness fees, and related employee salaries

Annual infrastructure, safety, and reliability budget increases are capped at 3% over the average of the previous five years' approved capital spending budgets, though commission-approved projects outside the plan may be excluded