2018 -- S 3011

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LC004849

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND ATTORNEY GENERAL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH

THE OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES, THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND

TRAINING, AND THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION AND DIVISION OF PUBLIC

UTILITIES CARRIERS, TO GENERATE A SOLAR CONSUMER RIGHTS GUIDE

     Introduced By: Senator Joshua Miller

     Date Introduced: June 23, 2018

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, With dropping costs and increasing availability and options, residential

utilization of solar energy systems has grown rapidly over the past decade; and

     WHEREAS, Many Rhode Island homeowners interested in investing in and installing a

solar system need guidance through the intricacies involved in the decision-making process; and

     WHEREAS, Due to multiple options available to consumers, understanding the

differences and financial ramifications between or among those options, as well as the laws and

policies governing local utilities, is necessary in order for consumers to make the correct

decision; and

     WHEREAS, In an effort to make "going solar" as streamlined and accessible as possible,

a Guide to Solar Power for residential consumers is essential; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection, in

conjunction with the Office of Energy Resources, the Department of Labor and Training, and the

Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities Carriers, to generate a Solar

Consumer Rights Guide that includes, but is not limited to:

     1. An index of consumers' rights and the contracting terms used in solar purchase

agreements/leases/loans;

     2. Information on potential effects from future changes to electricity rates;

     3. Information on state and federal solar programs and associated incentives available to

them, including the Federal Investment Tax Credit, Renewable Energy Growth Tariff and Net

Metering Programs;

     4. Explanation of financial options available including ownership, lease, PPA, and solar

loans;

     5. Listing of the licensing requirements for solar companies;

     6. Advice concerning the need to obtain multiple quotes as well as the rights and

obligations required when a home is sold with leased solar panels, and any other useful tips; and

     7. Contact information for the departments/agencies responsible for information,

oversight and investigation of questions and/or complaints; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby respectfully requests the Office of the Rhode

Island Attorney General to prepare and provide a "Residential Solar Consumer Guide" to the

Senate on or before September 1, 2018; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island,

Rhode Island Attorney General, the Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy

Resources, the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and the

Commissioner of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities

Carriers.

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LC004849

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