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RI S2779

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Dawn Euer

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Public utilities serving more than 100,000 customers distributing heat, electricity, natural gas, or water are prohibited from recovering through customer rates costs for advertising, marketing, lobbying, political contributions, charitable giving, trade association dues, and executive travel/entertainment expenses

  • Utilities cannot recover costs associated with their attendance, participation, preparation, or appeals in rate proceedings, including attorneys' fees, expert witness fees, and related employee salaries, for proceedings initiated on or after July 1, 2026

  • Annual infrastructure, safety, and reliability plan budgets are capped at 3% increases over the average of the previous five years' approved total capital spending budgets, with commission-approved specific projects potentially excluded

  • The Public Utilities Commission is authorized to initiate rulemaking to implement these requirements

  • The act takes effect upon passage

Legislative Description

Prohibits public utilities, serving greater 100,000 customers from recovering through rates any direct or indirect cost associated with, amongst other costs, advertising, marketing, communications.

Public Utilities And Carriers

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Commerce3/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available