2019 -- H 5093

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LC000199

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF

ADMINISTRATION

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Lombardi, Hull, Quattrocchi, and Nardone

     Date Introduced: January 10, 2019

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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affirmative action of the general assembly.

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

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

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS - REGULATORY POWERS OF

ADMINISTRATION

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

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

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

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assembly.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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