2013 -- H 5604

=======

LC01549

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

____________

A N A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

     Introduced By: Representatives Slater, and Diaz

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2013

     Referred To: House Corporations

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1-1

     SECTION 1. Section 39-1-37.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1 entitled "Public

1-2

Utilities Commission" is hereby amended to read as follows:

1-3

     39-1-37.1. Ratepayers advisory board. -- (a) There is hereby established the ratepayers

1-4

advisory board. The advisory board shall consist of the following public members:

1-5

      (1) Three (3) Four (4) members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives,

1-6

one of whom shall represent the interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent

1-7

the interests of the elderly and disabled; and one of whom shall represent a community-based

1-8

consumer organization representing low-income individuals, and one of whom shall represent a

1-9

community action agency LIHEAP program provider.

1-10

      (2) Three (3) Four (4) members appointed by the senate president, one of whom shall

1-11

represent the interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent a chamber of

1-12

commerce; and one of whom shall represent a non-profit energy consortium of businesses, and

1-13

one of whom shall represent a community action agency LIHEAP program provider.

1-14

      (3) Three (3) members appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent the

1-15

LIHEAP program administration; one of whom shall represent the interests of small business

1-16

owners; and one of whom shall represent the interests of residents of affordable housing.

1-17

      (b) The appointments to the advisory board shall be made as follows: each appointing

1-18

authority shall appoint one member to serve a term of one year, one member to serve a term of

1-19

two (2) years, and one member to serve a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, each member

1-20

appointed to the advisory board shall serve a three (3) year term. The board members are eligible

2-1

to succeed themselves. A vacancy, other than by expiration of a term, shall be filled in the manner

2-2

of the original appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term.

2-3

      (c) Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of the board shall be

2-4

required for all recommendations, advice, and approvals of the board, in accordance with this

2-5

section.

2-6

      (d) A board member shall not receive compensation for his or her service on the board

2-7

but may receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses, while engaged in the

2-8

performance of official duties of the board.

2-9

      (e) The board shall elect annually a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its

2-10

membership.

2-11

      (f) The board shall receive staff and administrative support from the division, to organize

2-12

meetings and take and distribute minutes. The division shall also furnish the advisory board a

2-13

suitable location to hold its meetings.

2-14

      (g) The board shall meet at least quarterly and at the call of the chairperson or four (4)

2-15

board members. The administrator shall be present for all board meetings to inform the board of

2-16

the actions of the division and to respond to the board's inquiries.

2-17

      (h) The board shall review legislative proposals and comment on existing state laws

2-18

relating to residential ratepayers.

2-19

      (i) The board shall advise the administrator on matters concerning residential ratepayers

2-20

including, but not limited to utility shut-off policies, rate affordability, conservation measures,

2-21

consumer education, smart meters and/or restricted use meters, customer service charges,

2-22

legislation pending before the general assembly, and legislative initiatives.

2-23

      (j) The advisory board shall issue an annual report of findings, including

2-24

recommendations on current or proposed state programs, policies, regulations and laws, to the

2-25

governor and the general assembly.

2-26

      (k) The board shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 38-2, Access to Public

2-27

Records Act, and chapter 42-46, Open Meetings Act.

2-28

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

=======

LC01549

=======

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

***

3-1

     This act would add two additional members to the public utilities commission ratepayers

3-2

advisory board.

3-3

     This act would take effect upon passage.

=======

LC01549

=======