Chapter 521

2013 -- H 5604 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 07/19/13

A N A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Introduced By: Representatives Slater, and Diaz

Date Introduced: February 27, 2013

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 39-1-37.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-1 entitled "Public

Utilities Commission" is hereby amended to read as follows:

39-1-37.1. Ratepayers advisory board. -- (a) There is hereby established the ratepayers

advisory board. The advisory board shall consist of the following public members:

      (1) Three (3) Four (4) members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives,

one of whom shall represent the interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent

the interests of the elderly and disabled; and one of whom shall represent a community-based

consumer organization representing low-income individuals, and one of whom shall represent a

LIHEAP consumer.

      (2) Three (3) Four (4) members appointed by the senate president, one of whom shall

represent the interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent a chamber of

commerce; and one of whom shall represent a non-profit energy consortium of businesses, and

one of whom shall represent a community action agency LIHEAP program provider.

      (3) Three (3) members appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent the

LIHEAP program administration; one of whom shall represent the interests of small business

owners; and one of whom shall represent the interests of residents of affordable housing.

      (b) The appointments to the advisory board shall be made as follows: each appointing

authority shall appoint one member to serve a term of one year, one member to serve a term of

two (2) years, and one member to serve a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, each member

appointed to the advisory board shall serve a three (3) year term. The board members are eligible

to succeed themselves. A vacancy, other than by expiration of a term, shall be filled in the manner

of the original appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term.

      (c) Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of the board shall be

required for all recommendations, advice, and approvals of the board, in accordance with this

section.

      (d) A board member shall not receive compensation for his or her service on the board

but may receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses, while engaged in the

performance of official duties of the board.

      (e) The board shall elect annually a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its

membership.

      (f) The board shall receive staff and administrative support from the division, to organize

meetings and take and distribute minutes. The division shall also furnish the advisory board a

suitable location to hold its meetings.

      (g) The board shall meet at least quarterly and at the call of the chairperson or four (4)

board members. The administrator shall be present for all board meetings to inform the board of

the actions of the division and to respond to the board's inquiries.

      (h) The board shall review legislative proposals and comment on existing state laws

relating to residential ratepayers.

      (i) The board shall advise the administrator on matters concerning residential ratepayers

including, but not limited to utility shut-off policies, rate affordability, conservation measures,

consumer education, smart meters and/or restricted use meters, customer service charges,

legislation pending before the general assembly, and legislative initiatives.

      (j) The advisory board shall issue an annual report of findings, including

recommendations on current or proposed state programs, policies, regulations and laws, to the

governor and the general assembly.

      (k) The board shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 38-2, Access to Public

Records Act, and chapter 42-46, Open Meetings Act.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01549/SUB A

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