Rhode Island Utility Restructuring Legislation

Legislation Cite and Date
96-H 8124 (2/96)

Low-Income Provisions
Restructuring legislation preserves all existing special rates for low-income customers and also opens the door for introducing new rates and programs. In addition, preserves all existing regulations dealing with "deposit and deferred payment arrangements, winter moratorium and medical emergency protections, and customer dispute resolution procedures. "Rules apply to "any public utility which distributes electricity."

Low-Income Rate Assistance
The restructuring law preserved special rates for low-income customers.

Low-Income Conservation
The Single Family Low Income Services (formerly named the Low Income Appliance Program) is the only program exclusively for low-income households. The program replaces old and inefficient refrigerators with ENERGY STAR refrigerators and lighting and provides electric water heating energy efficiency measures. The residential program, EnergyWise, also provides services to Public Housing Authority properties and other low-income multifamily buildings. Through the ENERGY STAR Homes program about 133 low-income homes are completed each year.

Annual Funding
Rate Assistance: $6.2 million (2007)
Conservation: $2.1 million (2008)

Funding Mechanism
Conservation: 2.3 mils per kWh surcharge, all electric distribution customers contribute.

Administration
Utility

Pre-Restructuring Funding
Rate Assistance: $2 million yearly
Conservation: $400,000

Page Last Updated: April 1, 2008