2022 -- H 7529

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LC004385

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REGULATORY POWERS OF

ADMINISTRATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Slater, Vella-Wilkinson, J Lombardi, Williams,
Caldwell, Tanzi, Azzinaro, Bennett, and Giraldo

     Date Introduced: February 18, 2022

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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

     39-3-45. Limitation on rate increases for gas.

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

proposed to be charged by a gas distribution company shall be equal to the lesser of five and one-

half percent (5.5%) per year, or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban

Consumers (CPI-U) as published by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics determined as of

September 30 of the prior calendar year, unless the increase shall have been previously approved

by affirmative action of the general assembly.

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

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

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004385

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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 limit a rate increase by any gas distribution company to the lesser of five

and one-half percent (5.5%) annually or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for

all Urban Consumers (CPI-U).

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC004385

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