reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-4. - Continuation of board.

§ 39-26.6-4. Continuation of board.
(a)
The distributed generation standard contract board shall remain fully constituted and authorized as provided in chapter 26.2 of this title; provided, however, that the name shall be changed to the “distributed-generation board.” Additional purposes of the board shall be to:
(1)
Evaluate and make recommendations to the commission regarding ceiling prices and annual targets, the make-up of renewable energy classifications eligible under the distributed-generation growth program, the terms of the tariffs, and other duties as set forth in this chapter;
(2)
Provide consistent, comprehensive, informed, and publicly accountable involvement by representatives of all interested stakeholders affected by, involved with, or knowledgeable about the development of distributed-generation projects that are eligible for performance-based incentives under the distributed-generation growth program; and
(3)
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the distributed-generation growth program.
(b)
The office, in consultation with the board, shall be authorized to hire, or to request the electric distribution company to hire, the services of qualified consultants to perform ceiling price studies subject to commission approval that shall be granted or denied within sixty (60) days of receipt of such request from the office. The cost of the studies shall be recoverable through the rate-reconciliation provisions of the electric distribution company set forth in § 39-26.6-25, subject to commission approval. In addition, the office, in consultation with the board, may request the commission to approve other costs incurred by the board, office, or the electric distribution company to utilize consultants for annual programmatic services or to perform any other studies and reports, subject to the review and approval of the commission, that shall be granted or denied within one hundred twenty (120) days of receipt of the request from the office, and that shall be recoverable through the same reconciliation provisions.
(c)
Revenues generated through the rate reconciliation process to finance the expenses incurred as outlined in subsection (b) shall be transferred to the office and deposited in a restricted-receipt account within the general fund. The restricted-receipt account shall be exempt from the indirect cost recovery assessment under § 35-4-27.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 149, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 163, § 4; P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 7, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-6. - Permanence of tariff terms once set.

§ 39-26.6-6. Permanence of tariff terms once set.
It is the intention of the general assembly in enacting this chapter that the developers, owners, investors, customers, and lenders of the distributed-generation projects receiving performance-based incentives under the tariffs be able to rely on the tariffs for the entire term of the applicable tariff for purposes of obtaining financing. Consistent with that intention and expectation, the terms under the tariffs for a given program year, once approved by the commission, shall not be altered in any way that would undermine such reliance on those tariffs during the applicable terms of the tariffs; and in no circumstance will the performance-based incentive rate paid to a renewable energy project developer or owner be reduced during the term of the tariff once a renewable energy project has qualified to receive a tariff under the terms of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-7. - Solar project size categories.

§ 39-26.6-7. Solar project size categories.
(a)
Tariff(s) shall be proposed for each of the following solar distributed-generation classes:
(1)
Small-scale solar projects;
(2)
Medium-scale solar projects;
(3)
Commercial-scale solar projects; and
(4)
Large-scale solar projects.
(b)
Such classes of solar distributed-generation projects shall be established based on nameplate megawatt size as follows:
(1)
Large-scale solar projects shall be comprised of four (4) classes as follows:
(i)
One megawatt (1 MW) but less than five megawatts (5 MW), nameplate capacity;
(ii)
Five megawatts (5 MW), but less than ten megawatts (10 MW), nameplate capacity;
(iii)
Ten megawatts (10 MW), but less than fifteen megawatts (15 MW), nameplate capacity; and
(iv)
Fifteen megawatts (15 MW), but less than thirty-nine megawatts (39 MW), nameplate capacity for projects located on preferred sites;
(2)
Commercial scale shall be comprised of solar projects greater than two hundred fifty kilowatts (250 KW), but less than one megawatt (1 MW) nameplate capacity;
(3)
Medium scale shall be comprised of solar projects greater than twenty-five kilowatts (25 KW), up to and including, two hundred fifty kilowatts (250 KW) nameplate capacity; and
(4)
Small scale shall be comprised of solar projects up to and including twenty-five kilowatts (25 KW) nameplate capacity.
(c)
Other classifications of solar projects may also be proposed by the board, subject to the approval of the commission. After the second program year, the board may make recommendations to the commission to adjust the size categories of the solar classes, provided that the medium-scale solar projects may not exceed two hundred fifty kilowatts (250 KW); and/or allocated capacity to community distributed-generation facilities, allowing them to compete or enroll under a distinct ceiling price.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 149, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 163, § 4; P.L. 2023, ch. 300, § 2, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 301, § 2, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-8. - Renewable technologies other than solar.

§ 39-26.6-8. Renewable technologies other than solar.
Tariffs also shall be proposed for on-shore wind and any other distributed-generation technologies permissible under this chapter that the board, in its discretion, recommends; provided, however, that no project shall exceed five megawatts (5 MW) nameplate capacity. The electric distribution company shall file tariffs for each technology and size categories recommended by the board pursuant to the procedures set forth in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-9. - Project segmentation prohibition.

§ 39-26.6-9. Project segmentation prohibition.
In no case may a project developer be allowed to segment a distributed-generation project on the same parcel or contiguous parcels into smaller-sized projects in order to fall under a smaller-size project classification. Notwithstanding this prohibition, a project developer may designate a generation unit on the same parcel or contiguous parcel for net metering or other means of participating in electricity markets, provided that the unit, or portion of the unit, designated for net metering or other market participation is not receiving performance-based incentives under this chapter; is capable of being segregated electrically; is configured with the electrical segregation; and is separately metered. Further, a project shall not be considered to have been segmented if:
(1)
There is a lapse of at least twenty-four (24) months between: (i) The commencement of construction of new distributed-generation units on a parcel that is the same as, or is contiguous with, a parcel upon which a distributed-generation project has already been constructed; and (ii) The operation date of the preexisting project; or
(2)
The new project is a different renewable technology.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-10. - Timing and schedule of tariff filings.

§ 39-26.6-10. Timing and schedule of tariff filings.
(a)
The electric distribution company shall file with the commission the first set of tariffs and solicitation rules pursuant to this chapter no later than November 15, 2014. Thereafter, the electric distribution company shall make tariff and solicitation rules filings with the commission no later than November 15 prior to the beginning of the applicable program year when necessary, which tariffs and rules shall be applicable for the next program year(s).
(b)
Upon receiving the filing from the electric distribution company, the commission shall open a docket to consider the filing. The commission shall issue an order approving the proposed tariffs and solicitation rules; provided, however, that the commission may make any modifications that it deems appropriate consistent with the legislative purposes of this chapter as set forth herein.
(c)
The commission shall approve tariff(s) and solicitation rules prior to the commencement of the applicable year(s).
(d)
During the course of any program year, the electric distribution company may, at any time, in consultation with the office and the board, propose tariff or solicitation rules modifications. The commission shall consider the proposed modifications through an already open or new docket, and shall issue its order within one hundred five (105) days of the filing of the proposed modification. If approved, the proposed modification shall take effect for the next enrollment event following the issuance of the commission’s order.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 300, § 2, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 301, § 2, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-11. - Power purchase agreements not required.

§ 39-26.6-11. Power purchase agreements not required.
The distributed-generation growth program shall be implemented and administered exclusively through the tariff structure and procedures set forth in this chapter, and the electric distribution company shall not be required to execute power purchase agreements for the procurement of the renewable energy distributed-generation capacity requirements set forth in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-12. - Annual bidding and enrollments.

§ 39-26.6-12. Annual bidding and enrollments.
(a)
The electric distribution company, in consultation with the board and office, shall conduct at least three (3) tariff enrollments for each distributed-generation class each program year.
(b)
During each program year, the tariff enrollments shall have both an annual targeted amount of nameplate megawatts (“annual MW target”) and a nameplate megawatt target for each separate enrollment event (“enrollment MW target”). The enrollment MW target shall comprise the specific portion of the annual MW target sought to be obtained in that enrollment. The annual MW target(s) and enrollment MW targets shall be recommended by the board no less frequently than every three (3) years, subject to commission approval. The board shall also recommend a megawatt target for each class (“class MW target”) that comprises a specified portion of the enrollment MW target, subject to commission approval. If the electric distribution company, the office, and the board mutually agree, they may reallocate megawatts during an enrollment from one class to another without commission approval if there is an over-subscription in one class and an under-subscription in another, provided that the annual MW target is not being exceeded, except as provided in § 39-26.6-17. No reallocation of megawatts from a competitive pricing class to a non-competitive pricing class shall be made until after the completion of the three (3) enrollment periods in the program year and in no case may the annual MW target be exceeded as a result of a reallocation of megawatts.
(c)
The annual MW targets shall be established from the year 2023 through the year 2033. The annual target for each program year shall be up to three hundred megawatts (300 MW); provided that, thirty megawatts (30 MW) shall be reserved for projects less than one megawatt (1 MW). The board may petition the commission for approval of multi-year annual targets and associated-ceiling prices.
(d) – (j)
[Deleted by P.L. 2023, ch. 300, § 2 and P.L. 2023, ch. 301, § 2.]
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 17, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 56, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 300, § 2, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 301, § 2, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-13. - Cost reconciliation.

§ 39-26.6-13. Cost reconciliation.
To the extent the electric distribution company incurs incremental costs to meet the program objectives or make billing system improvements that are required to facilitate payments of performance-based incentives and administering net metering, the electric distribution company may elect to recover those incremental costs through the annual charge set forth in § 39-26.6-25, subject to commission review and approval that assures such costs were properly and prudently incurred.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-14. - Existing powers of agencies and advocacy rights of parties unchanged.

§ 39-26.6-14. Existing powers of agencies and advocacy rights of parties unchanged.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to derogate from the statutory authority of the commission or the division of public utilities and carriers, including, but not limited to, the authority to protect ratepayers from unreasonable rates. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to preclude any party from advocating a position in commission proceedings that differs from the recommendations made by the board to the commission or in any filing with the commission relating to this chapter, including, without limitation: (1) Individual or organizational members of the board; (2) Participants in board deliberations; (3) The office; and (4) The electric distribution company, unless the party has consented by vote to the execution or executed a settlement agreement agreeing to the terms, policy proposals, or any other matter proposed to the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-17. - Excess enrollment not required.

§ 39-26.6-17. Excess enrollment not required.
The electric distribution company shall not be required to award bids in excess of the annual target for the applicable program year and shall not be required to procure projects in excess of any limit set by the board and approved by the commission for a given enrollment. However, the electric distribution company, in consultation with the board and the office, may voluntarily exceed an enrollment period limit as long as it does not exceed an annual target for the applicable program year. At its election, the electric distribution company may exceed an annual target for the applicable program year after review by the board and approval by the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-18. - Utility right to separately meter.

§ 39-26.6-18. Utility right to separately meter.
Owners of medium-scale, commercial-scale, and large-scale solar projects and other distributed-generation technologies shall be required to provide, at their cost, a revenue-quality meter to standards approved by the division of public utilities and carriers and provide access to the information from the meter to the electric distribution company to measure the output of the generation. The electric distribution company shall have the discretion to install the second meter in a parallel configuration to the retail meter or behind the meter, provided that a parallel installation shall have no effect on the right of the customer to net meter using the net of the two meters. The electric distribution company also shall have the right to install its own revenue-quality meter for small-scale solar projects if not being supplied by the owner. The electric distribution company shall recover the installation and capital cost of the separate meters it installs for small-scale solar projects in the annual reconciliation of solar costs under § 39-26.6-25.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-21. - Ownership of output, other attributes, and renewable energy certificates.

§ 39-26.6-21. Ownership of output, other attributes, and renewable energy certificates.
(a)
Except as provided herein for residential small-scale solar projects, distributed-generation projects participating in the renewable energy growth program shall transfer to the electric distribution company the rights and title to:
(1)
Those renewable energy certificates generated by the project during the term of the applicable, performance-based incentive tariff;
(2)
All energy produced by the generation that is not otherwise consumed on site under a net-metering arrangement; and
(3)
Rights to any other environmental attributes or market products that are created or produced by the project; provided, however, that it shall be the election of the electric distribution company whether it chooses to acquire the capacity of the distributed-generation projects under the tariffs set forth in this chapter and no ceiling prices recommended by the board and approved by the commission will be adjusted downward in light of the electric distribution company’s election. The electric distribution company shall: (1) Sell any products acquired and credit them to the reconciliation account specified in § 39-26.6-25; and/or (2) Use the products to serve customers and establish a price to be credited by customers using the products based on recent and near-term projections of market prices. When a generator reverts to net metering after the end of the tariff term under the renewable energy growth program, the net-metering generator shall retain title to the renewable energy certificates generated by the project. In the case of residential small-scale projects, title to all energy and capacity produced from the solar generation shall remain with the residential customer; shall not be transferred to the electric distribution company; and shall be deemed consumed by the residential customer on-site during the applicable, distribution-service billing period with no sale or purchase between the residential customer and the electric distribution company.
(b)
For the accounting purposes of the electric distribution company in treating the performance-based incentives, the cost of the energy that is procured shall be the real-time market price of energy and the balance of the performance-based incentive shall be attributable to the purchase of environmental and any other attributes acquired. This accounting shall have no effect on the total, bundled performance-based incentive to which the distributed-generation project is entitled under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 149, § 4; P.L. 2016, ch. 163, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-22. - Zonal and other incentive payments.

§ 39-26.6-22. Zonal and other incentive payments.
In order to provide the electric distribution company and the board with the flexibility to encourage distributed-generation projects to be located in designated geographical areas within its load zone where there is an identifiable system benefit, reliability benefit, or cost savings to the distribution system in that geographical area, or conservation benefit, or climate resilience benefit in that geographical area, the electric distribution company, the board, or the office, shall propose to include an incentive-payment adder to the bid price of any winning bidder that proposes a distributed-generation project in the preferred sites that require remediation. The company, board, or office can also propose disincentive subtractors for projects outside of preferred sites. The electric distribution company also may propose other incentive payments to achieve other technical or public policy objectives that provide identifiable benefits to customers. Any incentive-payment adders must be approved by the commission, and shall not be counted as part of the bid price when the bids are selected at an enrollment event.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 300, § 2, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 301, § 2, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-23. - Intersection of distributed generation and net metering.

§ 39-26.6-23. Intersection of distributed generation and net metering.
(a)
Net-metering credits for excess generation shall not be credited during the term of the tariff when the distributed-generation project is receiving performance-based incentive payments under the tariff. After the end of the term of the performance-based incentive tariff applicable to a distributed-generation project, net-metering credits for excess generation in any given month shall be credited to the net-metered account at the applicable rate allowed under the law.
(b)
All distributed-generation projects that had begun development prior to the date the commission approves the first set of ceiling price recommendations from the board and that are in operation by no later than July 1, 2016, shall be eligible to continue operation under the net-metering rules that would have been applicable to that self-generation project absent the change in law set forth in this section, provided that the project does not otherwise participate in the performance-based incentive program set forth in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-25. - Forecasted rate and reconciliation.

§ 39-26.6-25. Forecasted rate and reconciliation.
(a)
On or before November 15 of each year, the electric distribution company shall file a forecast of the total amount of payments that is likely to be paid out to distributed-generation projects in the coming program year within the electric distribution company’s load zone, along with any costs permitted for recovery pursuant to §§ 39-26.6-4, 39-26.6-13, and 39-26.6-18. The total of all forecasted payments and costs shall be aggregated, net of forecasted revenues from the sale of the energy, renewable energy certificates, and any other market products from the distributed-generation projects participating in the performance-based incentive program. The forecasted net-aggregate amount shall be used to design a fixed monthly charge per customer to recover the net forecast in rates charged to all distribution customers during the prospective calendar year, which fixed charge may be different by rate class in order to reasonably and equitably spread the program costs across all customer classes. The fixed rate shall stay in effect until changed after the first reconciliation filing set forth below and the rate reconciliation process shall be repeated annually, as set forth below. The commission, in its discretion, may move the reconciliation of costs and credits under § 39-26.1-5(f) into this reconciliation in order to have one reconciliation of all program costs and credits from the long-term contracting standard, distributed-generation standard contracting, and renewable energy growth program.
(b)
Within three (3) months after the end of each program year, the electric distribution company shall file a report with the public utilities commission that reconciles the total amount recovered from distribution customers against the total of net payments and costs for the prior program year for review and approval.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 216, § 1; P.L. 2023, ch. 300, § 2, effective June 24, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 301, § 2, effective June 24, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-26. - Shared solar facilities.

§ 39-26.6-26. Shared solar facilities.
(a)
In order to facilitate the adoption of solar by customers in multifamily structures, campuses, multi-structure business parks, multi-tenant or multi-owner commercial facilities, and public entities with multiple accounts, the electric distribution company may establish rules and tariffs for program years starting on or after April 1, 2016. The rules and tariffs will set forth the requirements for eligible recipients, credit transfers, consumer protection, and other considerations and terms, with input from the office, for the commission’s review and approval.
(b)
Shared solar facilities will receive the same ceiling price and enroll from the same classes of other projects of the same size and ownership as established by the board for a given program year.
(c)
All customer accounts receiving bill credits shall be in the same customer class and the bill credit value from the shared solar facility shall be determined by the recipients’ rate class and not that of the facility owner. The credit value shall be the distribution, transition, transmission, and standard-offer supply rates of the bill credit recipients.
(d)
Any value of bill credits not transferred from the shared solar facility shall be included in the total performance-based incentive, which shall be paid in accordance with the tariffs established by the electric distribution company.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 149, § 5; P.L. 2016, ch. 163, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.6 - The Renewable Energy Growth Program › Section 39-26.6-27. - Community remote distributed generation system.

§ 39-26.6-27. Community remote distributed generation system.
(a)
In order to facilitate the adoption of participation in renewable energy projects by eligible customers, the board may allocate a portion of the annual MW goal to a separate class, or classes, of community remote distributed-generation systems, which may compete under separate ceiling prices from non-community remote distributed-generation systems, for program years starting on or after April 1, 2016.
(b)
Upon such allocation by the board, the electric distribution company shall establish rules and tariffs for program years starting on or after April 1, 2016, which rules and tariffs will set forth the requirements for eligible recipients, credit transfers, consumer protection, and other considerations and terms, with input from the office, for the commission’s review and approval.
(c)
The value of credits to be allocated to credit recipients may be a fixed rate provided by the system owner, but shall not be greater than the sum of the standard-offer service, less the renewable energy standard charge or credit, and the transmission and transition rates, of the credit recipient as offered by the electric distribution company in effect at the time of establishing the transfer. If a fixed credit rate is not provided, the default credit will be the sum of the standard-offer service, less the renewable energy standard charge or credit, and the transmission and transition rates, of the credit recipient as offered by the electric distribution company in effect at the time of the transfer.
(d)
Any credits not allocated in any month will be valued at the then-current default credit rate, and deducted from the total performance-based incentive of the enrolled system.
(e)
Community remote distributed-generation systems shall not:
(1)
Comprise more than thirty percent (30%) of the annual total of capacity available under the renewable energy growth program in each year;
(2)
Be subject to a ceiling price that is more than fifteen percent (15%) higher than the then-in-effect ceiling price for the same technology of the same size as recommended by the board and approved by the commission; or
(3)
Transfer credits to any account in an amount that in KWh exceeds the prior three-year (3) annual average usage.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 149, § 5; P.L. 2016, ch. 163, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.7 - Nonregulated Power Producer Consumer Bill of Rights › Section 39-26.7-1. - Short title.

§ 39-26.7-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “nonregulated power producer consumer bill of rights.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 453, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 454, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.7 - Nonregulated Power Producer Consumer Bill of Rights › Section 39-26.7-2. - Purpose.

§ 39-26.7-2. Purpose.
The purpose of this act is to assist consumers in making an informed choice of a nonregulated power producer.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 453, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 454, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.7 - Nonregulated Power Producer Consumer Bill of Rights › Section 39-26.7-3. - Definitions.

§ 39-26.7-3. Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
“Commission” means the Rhode Island public utilities commission.
(2)
“Division” means the division of public utilities and carriers.
(3)
“Nonregulated power producer” shall have the same meaning as that which is contained in § 39-1-2.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 453, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 454, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.7 - Nonregulated Power Producer Consumer Bill of Rights › Section 39-26.7-4. - Consumer information requirements.

§ 39-26.7-4. Consumer information requirements.
(a)
On or before September 1, 2016, the division shall initiate a docket to redesign the standard billing format for residential customers to better enable residential customers to compare pricing policies and charges of nonregulated power producers to the standard-offer service rate. The division shall issue a final decision or rules in the docket not later than six (6) months after its initiation.
(b)
In addition to all information required by §§ 39-3-37.2 and 39-3-37.3, the rules shall provide for the bill to include a standard-offer service price to compare with the date of the next expected standard-offer rate change and the date by which a customer’s nonregulated power producer must initiate the transfer of service in order for the transfer to be complete by the next meter read date. If the standard-offer service rate is ever a variable or time-of-use rate, the division shall prescribe the manner in which the price to compare will be represented.
(c)
On or before September 1, 2021, and every five (5) years thereafter, the division shall reopen the docket to ensure the standard billing format continues to meet the requirements of this section.
(d)
The division shall facilitate the creation of an internet website that shall provide information necessary for a consumer to obtain service and compare pricing policies and charges among nonregulated power producers. This website may be maintained by a third party chosen through a competitive solicitation or through the Rhode Island government website, also known as “ri.gov” or its successor, and the cost of such website shall be funded through an assessment on any obligated entity, as the term is defined in § 39-26-2, but excluding electric-distribution companies, in a manner governed by division regulation.
(e)
On or before July 1, 2019, and every two (2) years thereafter, the division shall review the internet website and make any improvements to ensure the internet website remains a useful tool for customers to compare pricing policies and charges among nonregulated power producers.
(f)
The nonregulated power producer shall make available to the division, and the provider of the internet website facilitated by the division, information required by the division on a schedule to be determined by the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 453, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 454, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-1. - Short title.

§ 39-26.8-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-2. - Definitions.

§ 39-26.8-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Customer” means a person who, for primarily personal, family, or household purposes:
(i)
Purchases a residential solar energy system under a system purchase agreement;
(ii)
Leases a residential solar energy system under a system lease agreement; or
(iii)
Purchases electricity under a power purchase agreement.
(2)
“Division” means the division of public utilities and carriers.
(3)
“Power purchase agreement” means an agreement:
(i)
Between a customer and a solar retailer;
(ii)
For the customer’s purchase of electricity generated by a residential solar energy system owned by the solar retailer; and
(iii)
That provides for the customer to make payments over a term of at least five (5) years.
(4)
“Residential solar energy system” means a solar energy system that:
(i)
Is installed in the state;
(ii)
Generates electricity primarily for on-site consumption for personal, family, or household purposes;
(iii)
Is situated on no more than four (4) units of residential real property;
(iv)
Has an electricity delivery capacity that exceeds one kilowatt; and
(v)
Does not include a generator that:
(A)
Produces electricity; and
(B)
Is intended for occasional use.
(5)
“Solar agreement” means a system purchase agreement, a system lease agreement, or a power purchase agreement.
(6)
“Solar energy system” means a system or configuration of solar energy devices that collects and uses solar energy to generate electricity.
(7)
“Solar retailer” means a person who:
(i)
Sells or proposes to sell a residential solar energy system to a customer under a system purchase agreement;
(ii)
Owns the residential solar energy system that is the subject of a system lease agreement or proposed system lease agreement; or
(iii)
Sells or proposes to sell electricity to a customer under a power purchase agreement.
(8)
“System lease agreement” means an agreement:
(i)
Under which a customer leases a residential solar energy system from a solar retailer; and
(ii)
That provides for the customer to make payments over a term of at least five (5) years for the lease of the residential solar energy system.
(9)
“System purchase agreement” means an agreement under which a customer purchases a residential solar energy system from a solar retailer.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-3. - Applicability of chapter.

§ 39-26.8-3. Applicability of chapter.
(a)
This chapter applies to solar agreements between solar retailers and customers for residential solar energy systems, including any solar agreement that accompanies the transfer of ownership or lease of real property.
(b)
This chapter does not apply to:
(1)
The transfer of title or rental of real property on which a residential solar energy system is or is expected to be located, if the presence of the residential solar energy system is incidental to the transfer of title or rental;
(2)
A lender, governmental entity, or other third party that enters into an agreement with a customer to finance a residential solar energy system but is not a party to a system purchase agreement, power purchase agreement, or lease agreement;
(3)
A sale or lease of, or the purchase of electricity from, a solar energy system that is not a residential solar energy system; or
(4)
The lease of a residential solar energy system or the purchase of power from a residential solar energy system under an agreement providing for payments over a term of less than five (5) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-4. - Disclosure form required.

§ 39-26.8-4. Disclosure form required.
(a)
Before entering a solar agreement, a solar retailer shall provide to a potential customer the standard disclosure form established pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. This requirement shall apply to contracts entered into beginning forty-five (45) days from the date that the standard disclosure form is published by the office of energy resources.
(b)
The office of energy resources shall develop a standard disclosure form. Use of and compliance with the standard disclosure form will satisfy the solar retailer’s obligation under this chapter. The standard disclosure form shall be published on the website of the office of energy resources. In developing the standard disclosure form, the office of energy resources may use as a model the renewable energy fund small scale participant consumer disclosure form developed by the Rhode Island commerce corporation. The office of energy resources shall also consult with industry and other stakeholders in the development of the content and format of the form and in regard to any changes to the form. At a minimum, the disclosure form shall:
(1)
Be in at least twelve (12) point font;
(2)
Contain fields that require providing the following information:
(i)
The name, address, telephone number, and any email address of the potential customer;
(ii)
The name, address, telephone number, and email address of the solar retailer; and
(iii)(A)
The name, address, telephone number, email address, and state contractor license number of the person who is expected to install the system that is the subject of the solar agreement; and
(B)
If the solar retailer selected the person who is expected to provide operations or maintenance support to the potential customer or introduced that person to the potential customer, the name, address, telephone number, email address, and state contractor license of the operations or maintenance support person; and
(3)
Include applicable information and disclosures as provided in §§ 39-26.8-5, 39-26.8-6, 38-26.8-7, and 39-26.8-8.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-6. - Standard form addendum for system lease agreement.

§ 39-26.8-6. Standard form addendum for system lease agreement.
The standard disclosure form shall include an addendum that applies if a solar retailer is proposing to enter into a system lease agreement with a potential customer. The system lease addendum shall require the solar retailer to provide a detailed comparison of the cost of leasing the system as compared to purchasing the system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-7. - Standard form addendum for system purchase agreement.

§ 39-26.8-7. Standard form addendum for system purchase agreement.
The standard disclosure form shall include an addendum that applies if a solar retailer is proposing to enter into a system purchase agreement with a potential customer. The system purchase addendum shall include:
(1)
The following statement: “You are entering into an agreement to purchase an energy generation system. You will own the system installed on your property. You may be entitled to federal tax credits because of the purchase. You should consult your tax advisor”;
(2)
A field for the price quoted to the potential customer for a cash purchase of the system;
(3)
Fields requiring:
(i)
The schedule of required and anticipated payments from the customer to the solar retailer and third parties over the term of the system purchase agreement, including application fees, up-front charges, down payment, scheduled payments under the system purchase agreement, payments at the end of the term of the system purchase agreement, payments for any operations or maintenance contract offered by or through the solar retailer in connection with the system purchase agreement, and payments for replacement of system components likely to require replacement before the end of the useful life of the system as a whole; and the total of all payments referred to in this subsection;
(4)
A statement indicating that the cost of insuring the system is not included within the schedule of payments under subsection (3) of this section;
(5)
A field to indicate whether the customer is responsible for insurance coverage. The field shall be accompanied by the statement: “If so indicated above, you are responsible for obtaining insurance coverage for any loss or damage to the system. You should consult an insurance professional to understand how to protect against the risk of loss or damage to the system. You should also consult your home insurer about the potential impact of installing a system.”;
(6)
Fields requiring information about whether the system may be transferred to a purchaser of the home or real property where the system is located and any conditions for a transfer; and
(7)
A field requiring a detailed comparison of the costs of purchasing as compared to leasing the system.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-8. - Standard form addendum for power purchase agreement.

§ 39-26.8-8. Standard form addendum for power purchase agreement.
The standard disclosure form shall include an addendum that applies if a solar retailer is proposing to enter into a power purchase agreement with a potential customer. The power purchase addendum shall include:
(1)
The following statement: “You are entering into an agreement to purchase power from an energy generation system. You will not own the system installed on your property. You will not be entitled to any federal tax credit associated with the purchase.”;
(2)
Fields requiring information about whether the power purchase agreement may be transferred to a purchaser of the home or real property where the system is located and, if so, any conditions for a transfer;
(3)
A field to indicate whether the solar retailer will obtain insurance. The field shall be accompanied by the statement: “If indicated above, the solar retailer will not obtain insurance against damage or loss to the system and the customer is responsible if there is damage or loss to the system.”; and
(4)
Fields requiring information about what will happen to the system at the end of the term of the power purchase agreement.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-9. - Customer right to cancel solar agreement.

§ 39-26.8-9. Customer right to cancel solar agreement.
The customer has the right to cancel or rescind a solar agreement within forty-five (45) days of entering into the solar agreement. The standard disclosure form shall inform the customer of this right.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-26.8 - Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act › Section 39-26.8-10. - Good-faith estimate allowed.

§ 39-26.8-10. Good-faith estimate allowed.
If a solar retailer does not, at the time of providing a disclosure form, have exact cost information required to be included in the disclosure form, pursuant to this chapter, the retailer may make a good-faith estimate of that information, if the solar retailer clearly indicates that the information is an estimate and provides the basis for the estimate. If the solar retailer’s final cost assessment differs from previously provided estimates, the retailer shall provide a new and complete disclosure form.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 255, § 1, effective June 28, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 256, § 1, effective June 28, 2022.