2019 -- H 5991

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LC002391

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND OFFICE OF ENERGY

RESOURCES IMPROVE CONSUMER PROTECTION RELATED TO SOLAR ENERGY

PROGRAMS FOR HOMEOWNERS

     Introduced By: Representatives Ruggiero, McNamara, Handy, Kazarian, and Bennett

     Date Introduced: April 11, 2019

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s renewable energy market and associated clean energy

opportunities have advanced for Rhode Island homeowners, businesses and farmers over the past

several years; and

     WHEREAS, In the fall of 2014, the State of Rhode Island launched a Renewable Energy

Professional Certificate for qualified solar companies to obtain a Certificate from the Department

of Labor and Training and Office of Energy Resources; and

     WHEREAS, In the fall of 2014, there were less than half a dozen solar companies doing

business in Rhode Island, and in late 2018 there were over forty solar companies registered and

doing business in the State of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Since 2013, over 3,000 homeowners across Rhode Island have participated

in the state’s residential solar programs; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island investments in renewables have advanced the state’s clean

energy, climate change and carbon emission reductions goals; and

     WHEREAS, While Rhode Island continues to invest in renewable energy, there needs to

be consumer protection improvements associated with homeowners that are pursuing roof

mounted solar systems for their homes; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests that the Rhode Island Office of Energy

Resources improve consumer protection related measures with the state’s solar energy programs

for homeowners; and be it further

     RESOLVED, The this House hereby respectfully requests the Office of Energy

Resources to report back to the House on or before January 6, 2020, on the status and

implementation of consumer protection measures with the state’s residential solar programs,

including a disclosure form to homeowners that are participating in the Renewable Energy

Growth and Renewable Energy Fund programs; 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 Honorable Gina M. Raimondo, Governor of

the State of Rhode Island and Carol Grant, Commissioner of the Office of Energy Resources.

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LC002391

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