H6409

	2023 -- H 6409
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	LC002991
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	STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
	IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
	JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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	A N A C T
	RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- REGULATORY POWERS OF
	ADMINISTRATION

	Introduced By: Representatives Serpa, Phillips, Lima, P. Morgan, and Cardillo
	Date Introduced: May 17, 2023
	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	39-3-37.4. Electric and gas meter reading required quarterly.
4	(a) Every electric and natural gas distribution public utility shall read, record and update
5	utility billing on quarterly scheduled intervals. Bills shall be forwarded promptly.
6	(b) A utility company which estimates bills shall file with the PUC a current, simple, clear
7	and concise statement of their formula used in preparing estimated bills.
8	(1) Estimated bills for ratepayers shall consist of charges for utility services calculated in
9	accordance with the formula approved by the PUC.
10	(2) Estimated bills may be submitted to ratepayers for months when the quarterly reading
11	is not scheduled or conducted.
12	(c) In the event the utility fails to read the meter on a quarterly basis, they shall not demand,
13	collect or require payment of any balance in excess of the amount required by the prior estimated
14	monthly bills. Any amount otherwise due for use in excess of the estimated monthly bill shall be
15	forfeited for any period in which electric or natural gas distribution utility failed to read the
16	ratepayer's meter.

1	SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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	LC002991
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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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1	This act would require a utility company to read the meters of all ratepayers on a quarterly
2	basis. The utility is required to provide a formula to the PUC in order to send estimated bills.
3	This act would take effect upon passage.
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	LC002991
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