2018 -- H 7023

========

LC003123

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF

ADMINISTRATION

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Lombardi, Hull, Coughlin, and Williams

     Date Introduced: January 03, 2018

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

1

     SECTION 1. Chapter 39-3 of the General Laws entitled "Regulatory Powers of

2

Administration" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

3

     39-3-45. Electric rates tied to the consumer price index.

4

     (a) Notwithstanding any provisions of the general laws to the contrary, any increase in

5

rates proposed to be charged by an electric distribution company as defined in chapter 1 of this

6

title, shall be no greater than five and one-half percent (5.5%) or the percentage increase in the

7

Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as published by the United States

8

Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics determined as of September 30 of the prior

9

calendar year, whichever is greater, unless the increase shall have been previously approved by

10

affirmative action of the general assembly.

11

     (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any electric distribution company

12

having fewer than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) electricity customer accounts.

13

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC003123

========

 

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF

ADMINISTRATION

***

1

     This act would provide that any rate increase with respect to electric distribution

2

companies would be no greater than the increase in the Consumer Price Index or five and one-

3

half percent (5.5%), whichever is greater, unless there is approval of a higher rate by the general

4

assembly.

5

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC003123

========

 

LC003123 - Page 2 of 2