reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-2. - Rate discrimination.

§ 39-2-2. Rate discrimination.
(a)
If any public utility or any agent or officer of a public utility, as defined in chapter 1 of this title, shall directly or indirectly, by any device whatsoever, or otherwise, charge, demand, collect, or receive from any person, firm, or corporation a greater or less compensation for any service rendered or to be rendered by it, in, or affecting, or relating to the transportation of persons or property between points within this state, the distribution of electricity, or the production, transmission, delivery, or furnishing of heat, or water, or the conveyance of telegraph or telephone messages, or for any service in connection therewith, than that prescribed in the published schedules or tariffs then in force or established as provided herein, or than it charges, demands, collects, or receives from any other person, firm, or corporation for a like and contemporaneous service, under substantially similar circumstances and conditions, the public utility shall be guilty of unjust discrimination which is hereby prohibited and declared to be unlawful and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense; and the agent or officer so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense.
(b)
Nothing in this section or any other provision of the law shall be construed to prohibit the giving by any public utility of free or reduced-rate service to any elderly person as defined by the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 39; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 39; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 39-22; P.L. 1971, ch. 256, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 265, § 3; P.L. 1972, ch. 205, § 3; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-3. - Unreasonable preferences or prejudices.

§ 39-2-3. Unreasonable preferences or prejudices.
(a)
If any public utility shall make or give any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to any particular person, firm, or corporation, or shall subject any particular person, firm, or corporation to any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage in any respect whatsoever, the public utility shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense.
(b)
Nothing in this section or any other provision of the law shall be construed to prohibit the giving by any public utility, of free or reduced-rate service to an elderly person as defined by the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 40; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 40; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 37; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-3; P.L. 1971, ch. 256, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-4. - Acceptance of unlawful rebates or advantages.

§ 39-2-4. Acceptance of unlawful rebates or advantages.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation knowingly to solicit, accept, or receive any rebate, concession, or discrimination in respect to any service in, affecting, or relating to the transportation of persons or property, or affecting or relating to the distribution of electricity, or the production, transmission, delivery, or furnishing of heat or water, or the conveyance of telephone or telegraph messages within this state, or for any service in connection therewith, whereby the service shall, by any device whatsoever or otherwise, be rendered free, or at a less rate than that named in the published schedules and tariffs in force, as provided therein, or whereby any service or advantage is received other than is herein specified. Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 41; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 41; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 38; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-4; P.L. 1971, ch. 265, § 4; P.L. 1972, ch. 205, § 4; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-6. - Repair and construction of highway bridges used by street railways.

§ 39-2-6. Repair and construction of highway bridges used by street railways.
Whenever any highway bridge over which a street railway is operated shall become unsafe for public travel, the public utility operating the railway shall pay the whole expense of repairing, strengthening, or reconstructing the bridge, if the bridge would be safe for public travel if the railway were not operated over it; but, if a reconstruction of the bridge or the construction of a new bridge is required for any other cause, or if the bridge would be unsafe for public travel if the railway were not operated over it, then so much of the expense of repairing, strengthening, constructing, or reconstructing the bridge as may be equitable shall be paid by the public utility operating the railway. In the event of any disagreement between the public utility and the town or city bound by law to maintain the bridge, as to the necessity of any repair or reconstruction thereof, or as to the character of the repair or reconstruction, or as to the apportionment of the expense of the repair or reconstruction, the commission, upon application of any party in interest, and after due hearing, shall make such orders as it shall deem necessary, in the interest of public safety, for the repair, strengthening, or reconstruction of the bridge, and shall determine in accordance with the principle herein stated, the portion of the expense of the repair, strengthening, or reconstruction that shall be borne by the public utility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 53; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 52; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 49; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-6; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-7. - Civil liability for violations — Limitation of actions.

§ 39-2-7. Civil liability for violations — Limitation of actions.
If any public utility shall do, or cause to be done, or permit to be done, any matter, act, or thing in chapters 1 — 5 of this title prohibited or declared to be unlawful, or shall omit to do any act, matter, or thing to be done by it, the public utility shall be liable to the person, firm, or corporation injured thereby, in a civil action to be brought within three (3) years from the time the cause of action accrues, and not after, for the amount of damage sustained in consequence of the violation; provided, that any recovery as provided in this section, shall in no manner affect the recovery by the state of the penalty prescribed for the violation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 43; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 43; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 40; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-8. - Penalty for violations.

§ 39-2-8. Penalty for violations.
Any public utility which shall violate any provision of chapters 1 — 5 of this title, or shall do any act herein prohibited, or shall fail or refuse to perform any duty enjoined upon it for which a penalty has not been provided, shall be subject to a penalty of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and in the case of a continuing violation of any of the provisions of the chapters, every day’s continuance thereof shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct offense.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 56; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 55; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 52; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-8; P.L. 1973, ch. 199, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-9. - Uniform services and rates of carriers.

§ 39-2-9. Uniform services and rates of carriers.
Every common carrier shall receive and transport all goods, wares, and merchandise offered to him or her by any person, as promptly and upon as favorable terms and conditions as the common carrier is receiving and transporting goods, wares, and merchandise at the place in which the same are offered to be delivered to him or her, in the ordinary course of business, for any other person.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 161, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 190, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 218, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 123, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-10. - Injunction or mandamus.

§ 39-2-10. Injunction or mandamus.
The superior court may enforce compliance with the provisions of § 39-2-9 by writ of injunction or mandamus.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 161, § 2; C.P.A. 1905, § 1220; G.L. 1909, ch. 190, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 218, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 123, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-11. - Penalty for refusal of carrier to receive and transport.

§ 39-2-11. Penalty for refusal of carrier to receive and transport.
Every common carrier who shall refuse or neglect to receive and transport goods, wares, and merchandise in the manner as provided in this chapter shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 161, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 190, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 218, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 123, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-11; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 105.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-12. - Civil liability of carrier for refusal.

§ 39-2-12. Civil liability of carrier for refusal.
Every common carrier who shall so neglect or refuse shall also be civilly liable to any person aggrieved for any injury sustained by him or her by reason of the carrier’s neglect or refusal.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 161, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 190, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 218, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 123, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-12; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 105.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-13. - Admission of guide dogs.

§ 39-2-13. Admission of guide dogs.
Any blind or deaf person, who uses the services of a seeing-eye guide dog, or personal-assistance animal or a hearing-ear signal dog, clearly identified as such by a yellow harness and trained by a recognized training agency or school, may enter any public facility of any public utility or common carrier in this state, and when riding on any bus or other public utility or common carrier engaged in the transportation of passengers, or when riding in any elevator in this state where a landlord has the elevator operated for the use of the landlord’s tenants and their visitors or while in any building in this state open to the public, may keep the animal in his or her immediate custody; and the person shall not be required to pay any charge or fare, for, or on account of, the transportation thereon of him or herself and any dog so accompanying him or her, in addition to the charge or fare lawfully chargeable for his or her own transportation; provided, however, the provisions of this section shall not apply to railroad sleeping, parlor, club, buffet, or lounge cars.
History of Section.
P.L. 1938, ch. 2595, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 402, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-16; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-13; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 3; P.L. 1979, ch. 159, § 3; P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 3; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-14. - [Repealed.]

§ 39-2-14. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 402, § 2; P.L. 1946, ch. 1686, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-2-17; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 3; P.L. 1979, ch. 159, § 4; Repealed by P.L. 1997, ch. 85, § 3, effective July 2, 1997.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-15.1. - Temporary removal of wires and supporting fixtures by nonprofit housing development corporation.

§ 39-2-15.1. Temporary removal of wires and supporting fixtures by nonprofit housing development corporation.
(a)
Whenever, in order to move a building to be used as affordable housing for low- and moderate-income persons for a period of not less than ten (10) years, a nonprofit housing development corporation desires that the pipes, mains, poles, wires, conduits, or fixtures of a public utility be cut, disconnected, or removed, the public utility shall cut, disconnect, or remove the same at its own expense.
(b)
A nonprofit housing development corporation that desires the cutting, disconnection, or removal of mains, poles, conduits, wires, or fixtures of a public utility shall give written notification thereof to the commission and the utility company. The written notification must contain the location of the site where the structure is presently located; the location of the final destination of the structure; the path of the proposed move, described in reference to the crossings of streets or highways; and the date of the required cutting, disconnection, or removal.
(c)
Upon receipt of the written notification described in subsection (b), the commission shall promptly determine whether the applicant is a nonprofit housing development corporation within the meaning of this chapter, and shall also determine whether the structure to be moved will be maintained as affordable housing for a period of not less than ten (10) years. A resolution, issued by the board of directors of the nonprofit housing development corporation and recorded at the land records office of the locality to where the structure is to be moved, stating that the structure will be used as affordable housing for a period of not less than ten (10) years, shall be satisfactory evidence that the requirements of this section have been satisfied. If the commission determines that the applicant satisfies the requirements of this section, it shall give notice thereof to the public utilities and require the applicant to coordinate its building move with the path(s), date(s), and time(s) as determined by the public utilities; however, the date(s), and time(s) shall be no later than thirty (30) days from the date the public utilities have received notice of the commission’s determination.
(d)
If, at any time during the ten-year (10) period following the cutting, disconnection, or removal of the pipes, mains, poles, wires, conduits, or fixtures of a public utility, the nonprofit housing development corporation shall utilize the structure for any purpose other than affordable housing, the nonprofit housing development corporation shall reimburse the public utility for the cost of the cutting, disconnection, or removal of the same.
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 580, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-18. - Shutoff devices for gas appliances.

§ 39-2-18. Shutoff devices for gas appliances.
No person, firm, corporation, or other business entity shall install in any home or business establishment any appliance that operates by the use of consumption of a combustible gas unless a shutoff device approved by the division of public utilities and carriers controlling the flow of gas into the appliances is also installed in the immediate area of the appliance; and, provided, further, that any person, firm, corporation, or other business entity that removes a valve or leaves a gas line without the shutoff device shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 307, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-19. - Display of identification cards required.

§ 39-2-19. Display of identification cards required.
Every person employed by a public utility company or nonregulated power producer doing business in this state whose job requires the person to enter homes or business establishments for the purpose of installing, repairing, servicing, meter reading, or other related activities, shall be required to display on the person an identification card bearing the person’s photograph during the performance of the person’s duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-21. - Residential condominiums and associations — Charges for services, residential rates.

§ 39-2-21. Residential condominiums and associations — Charges for services, residential rates.
Public utilities distributing electricity or providing telephone service, heat, or water, produced, transmitted, delivered, or furnished shall charge residential condominium occupants or residential condominium associations for such distribution service, heat, water, or telephone service at a residential rate and not a business, commercial or any other rate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 260, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-22. - Seven-digit dialing option.

§ 39-2-22. Seven-digit dialing option.
In addition to other dialing, where technically and economically feasible, a telecommunications public utility shall make available to users a seven-digit (7) dialing capability for completion of intrastate Rhode Island calls outside the local calling area, unless specifically directed otherwise by the customer.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 258, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-23. - Safe termination of service — Qualified employees.

§ 39-2-23. Safe termination of service — Qualified employees.
No gas company, as described in § 39-1-2(a)(20), shall allow employees to terminate, restore, or activate gas services unless those employees have gained relevant experience by working for a gas company at least two (2) years and have been properly trained in the safe termination or activation or restoration of gas services. The same criteria shall also apply to the periodic testing of meters. A certification process of gas service employees shall be established and enforced by the public utilities commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 18, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-27. - Standards of acceptable performance for emergency preparation and restoration of service.

§ 39-2-27. Standards of acceptable performance for emergency preparation and restoration of service.
The division shall open a docket and establish standards of acceptable performance for emergency preparation and restoration of service for each investor-owned electric and gas distribution company doing business in the state. The division shall levy a penalty not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each violation for each day that the violation of the division’s standards persists; provided, however, that the maximum penalty shall not exceed seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($7,500,000) for any related series of violations. The division shall open a full investigation, upon its own initiative. Nothing herein shall prohibit any affected city or town from filing a complaint with the division regarding a violation of the division’s standards of acceptable performance by an investor-owned electric distribution or natural gas distribution company; provided, however, that the petition shall be filed with the division no later than ninety (90) days after the violation has been remedied. After an initial review of the complaint, the division shall make a determination as to whether to open a full investigation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 8, § 1, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2 - Duties of Utilities and Carriers › Section 39-2-28. - Levied penalties to be credited back to customers.

§ 39-2-28. Levied penalties to be credited back to customers.
Any penalty levied by the division against an investor-owned electric distribution or natural gas distribution company for any violation of the division’s standards of acceptable performance for emergency preparation and restoration of service for electric and gas distribution companies shall be credited back to the company’s customers in a manner determined by the commission.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 8, § 1, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.1 - Location of Residential Gas Regulators and Gas Meters › Section 39-2.1-1. - Location of residential gas regulators and gas meters.

§ 39-2.1-1. Location of residential gas regulators and gas meters.
(a)
Prior to the location or relocation of any residential gas regulator or gas meter, the public utility shall consult with the owner(s) of the property as to their preference concerning the most suitable location for such devices, and the public utility shall give preference to locations that are least visibly prominent.
(b)
The public utility is hereby prohibited from installing gas regulators and/or gas meters on the visible front of any residential property or visible sides of the property that face a public right-of-way, unless permitted to do so by the owner or unless it is determined that there exists no prudent and feasible alternative to such location. In high-pressure systems, the gas regulator may be located in an unobtrusive exterior location that is not visible from a public right-of-way.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 110, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 184, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.1 - Location of Residential Gas Regulators and Gas Meters › Section 39-2.1-2. - Location of gas regulators and/or gas meters in historic districts.

§ 39-2.1-2. Location of gas regulators and/or gas meters in historic districts.
(a)
The public utility is hereby prohibited from installing gas regulators or gas meters on the exterior of property located within a historic district, unless permitted to do so by the owner, and is hereby required to obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the historic district commission of any city or town that has been created by the city or town council in accordance with the provisions of chapter 24.1 of title 45, et seq.; provided, however, in high-pressure systems, the public utility may install gas regulators on the exterior of property, subject to the exterior location being approved by the owner and the historic district commission.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, “property located within a historic district” means “a certified historic structure” as defined in § 44-33.2-2(1).
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 110, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 184, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.1 - Location of Residential Gas Regulators and Gas Meters › Section 39-2.1-3. - Obligations of residential property owners.

§ 39-2.1-3. Obligations of residential property owners.
(a)
The owner(s) of any residential property within the interior of which a gas regulator or gas meter is located shall grant reasonable access to the public utility responsible for the maintenance of the regulator or meter in order to perform safety activities as required by law not less than every thirty-six (36) months. Any owner who denies the public utility access to the gas regulator or gas meter shall be subject to termination of service, and the public utility is hereby authorized to relocate the gas regulator or gas meter to the exterior of the property in accordance with the provisions of § 39-2.1-1.
(b)
The owner(s) of property with interior gas regulators or gas meters shall be required to sign a consent form agreeing to the terms set forth in subsection (a).
(c)
The owner(s) of residential property are hereby authorized to paint exterior gas regulators, but not the regulator vents, and gas meters in order to blend with color of the property, and may landscape in front of the regulator and/or meter in order to conceal the location thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 110, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 184, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.2 - Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act › Section 39-2.2-1. - Short title.

§ 39-2.2-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 170, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.2 - Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act › Section 39-2.2-2. - Road repair by public utility or utility facility.

§ 39-2.2-2. Road repair by public utility or utility facility.
Any public utility as defined by § 39-1-2 or any utility facility as defined by chapter 8.1 of title 24 that shall alter, excavate, disrupt, or disturb a roadway shall be responsible for complete repaving and repair of the roadway from curbline to curbline or as required in accordance with the state or municipal utility permit requirements.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 170, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.2 - Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act › Section 39-2.2-3. - State road repair.

§ 39-2.2-3. State road repair.
(a)
Any repaving and repair of a state road required by § 39-2.2-2 shall be to the satisfaction of the director of the department of transportation.
(b)
All utility work within and/or upon a state road or state right-of-way requires a state utility permit issued by the department of transportation prior to the work commencing. Any public utility or utility facility violating this section for non-emergency utility work without a state utility permit shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500) per incident in addition to the required road repaving and repair (restoration).
(c)
As part of the state utility permit requirements:
(1)
The public utility or utility facility shall obtain and submit to the state a performance bond in accordance with the state utility permit application requirements prior to the state utility permit being issued by the department of transportation; and
(2)
The department of transportation will contract with pre-qualified vendors (Master Price Agreement) to conduct state-certified testing and inspection services on all utility work in accordance with the state utility permit requirements, and the public utility or utility facility shall reimburse the department of transportation for these costs.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 170, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.2 - Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act › Section 39-2.2-4. - Municipal road repair.

§ 39-2.2-4. Municipal road repair.
Any repaving and repair of a municipal road required by § 39-2.2-2 shall be in accordance with standards promulgated by the director of the department of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 170, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-2.2 - Rhode Island Utility Fair Share Roadway Repair Act › Section 39-2.2-5. - Recovery for failure to repair state road.

§ 39-2.2-5. Recovery for failure to repair state road.
(a)
If the director of the department of transportation deems any repaving or repair of a state road insufficient, defective, noncompliant, or incomplete and requests repairs, it will be the responsibility of the public utility or utility facility to complete the repairs to the satisfaction of the director of the department of transportation within thirty (30) days of being notified.
(b)
If the public utility or utility facility fails to complete the repairs, the department of transportation will initiate the repairs through the performance bond claim process and/or recovering the amount required for the repairs from the public utility or utility facility.
(c)
If any payment determined to be due from any public utility or utility facility for reparation, reconstruction, or repaving shall not be paid to the state within one year from the date of the determination, the state shall be entitled to recover the amount due in an action of debt, together with interest from six (6) months from the date of determination at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 170, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 234, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-1. - Services for which certificate of necessity required.

§ 39-3-1. Services for which certificate of necessity required.
No public utility, whether privately owned or a quasi-public agency, shall distribute electricity or furnish or sell gas in any town or city in which any other public utility is at the time distributing electricity or furnishing or selling gas to the public generally, unless the public utility desiring to distribute electricity or to furnish or sell gas shall first have obtained a certificate from the division of public utilities and carriers certifying that public convenience and necessity require the same. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to require a certificate to be obtained as a condition of distributing electricity or furnishing or selling gas in any town or city by any public utility that was actually distributing electricity or furnishing or selling gas to the public generally in the town or city on or prior to January 1, 1996, or by any successor to the public utility. The division shall not grant the certificate to any electric distribution company if the electric distribution company that is distributing electricity in the town or city offers to provide distribution service to all customers served by any nonregulated power producer, whether affiliated or not, on comparable prices and terms approved pursuant to this title, including the transition charge pursuant to § 39-1-27.4. A copy of any application filed by the Block Island Power Company with either the commission or the division shall be provided by the Block Island Power Company to the New Shoreham town clerk by certified mail.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 59; P.L. 1926, ch. 767, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 55; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-1; P.L. 1971, ch. 265, § 5; P.L. 1972, ch. 205, § 5; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 106; P.L. 2002, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 361, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-1.1. - Purchasing cooperatives.

§ 39-3-1.1. Purchasing cooperatives.
Purchasing cooperatives may at any time be organized consisting of any group of electricity consumers for the purpose of negotiating for electric power from nonregulated power producers. The purchasing cooperatives shall be considered to be associations of electricity consumers organized solely for the purpose of negotiating the purchase of electric power by members of the cooperative. Purchasing cooperatives are specifically not required to be legal entities and are hereby prohibited from engaging in resale of electric power. Electricity consumers will maintain individual accounts with the nonregulated power producer with which a contract is concluded. Electricity consumers may withdraw from a purchasing cooperative at any time by providing thirty (30) days’ notice to the cooperative and to nonregulated power producers with which a purchasing cooperative has reached an agreement. Nothing in this section shall prevent a cooperative from becoming a legal entity or utilizing a legal entity to negotiate for rates for the purchasing cooperative.
History of Section.
P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 106.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-2. - Persons and companies eligible for certificates.

§ 39-3-2. Persons and companies eligible for certificates.
No certificate shall be issued to any person who is not a citizen resident within this state, or to any association, unless all members of the association are citizens of this state, or to any corporation unless the corporation has been created by special act of the general assembly upon petition for the same. Notice of the pendency of the petition shall be given in such manner as the general assembly may by general law or special act prescribe; provided, however, that the prohibition contained in this section shall not apply to any corporation lawfully doing business in this state as a public utility prior to March 1, 1926.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 59; P.L. 1926, ch. 767, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 55; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-2; P.L. 1971, ch. 265, § 5; P.L. 1972, ch. 205, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-3. - Certificate requirement for water carriers.

§ 39-3-3. Certificate requirement for water carriers.
(a)
No common carrier of persons and/or property operating upon water between termini within this state shall hereafter furnish or sell its services unless the common carrier shall first have made application to and obtained a certificate from the division certifying that public convenience and necessity required the services. A filing fee of one hundred dollars ($100) must accompany all filings made pursuant to this section. Certificates issued under this section shall be renewed before the close of business on December 31 of each calendar year. The renewal fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100) and shall be submitted with the renewal form. All revenues received under this section shall be deposited as general revenues; provided, however, that this fee shall not apply to any city or town, to any agency or department of any city or town of the state, or to any nonprofit corporation in the tourism industry.
(b)
A copy of any application filed with either the commission or the division by a water common carrier that includes a New Shoreham terminus shall be provided by the water common carrier to the New Shoreham town clerk by certified mail.
(c)
Notwithstanding any provision of §§ 39-5-1 and/or 42-35-15, or any other provision of the general or public laws to the contrary, no agency nor reviewing court may order an interlocutory stay of any order of the division with respect to an application entered under § 39-3-3.1, and/or certificate under § 39-3-3.1. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the right of any petitioner, public utility, party in interest, or other person or entity aggrieved by an order of the division entered under § 39-3-3.1, from seeking judicial review in accordance with §§ 39-5-1 and/or 42-35-15.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 55; P.L. 1942, ch. 1249, § 1; P.L. 1951, ch. 2795, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3403, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-3; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 34, § 4; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 40, § 117; P.L. 2002, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 2002, ch. 361, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 580, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-3.1. - Petition for certificate by water carrier — Notice of pendency.

§ 39-3-3.1. Petition for certificate by water carrier — Notice of pendency.
A petition in writing for the issuance of a certificate under § 39-3-3 shall first be filed with the division of public utilities and carriers by the common carrier desiring to obtain such certificate. Upon receipt of the petition, the division shall fix a time and place of hearing thereon and shall give notice as it may prescribe of the pendency of the petition and of the time and place of a hearing thereon to the petitioner, to the mayor and also any city manager of each city, and to the president of the town council and also any town manager for each town, in which the petitioner desires to pick up or discharge passengers. The division shall also publish a notice of the hearing at least ten (10) days prior to the date thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in each city or town in which the petitioner desires to pick up or discharge passengers. After the hearing the division shall enter an order granting or refusing to grant the petition.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 48, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 504, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-4. - Water carriers entitled to certificate as of right.

§ 39-3-4. Water carriers entitled to certificate as of right.
Any person, corporation, or authority who or that has lawfully been doing business as a common carrier of persons and/or property upon water between termini within this state during a seven-year period, seasonally or otherwise, prior to April 30, 1943, and any cooperative association that, although not yet operating between its proposed termini within this state, has been formed for the purpose of providing a means of transportation by water, and that has been incorporated under the provisions of chapter 8 of title 7, prior to April 30, 1954, shall be entitled as a matter of right and without public hearing thereon, to receive a certificate of convenience and necessity from the division setting forth the scope and termini of its operation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 55; P.L. 1942, ch. 1249, § 1; 1951, ch. 2795, § 1; P.L. 1954, ch. 3403, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-5. - Petition for certificate of necessity — Notice of pendency.

§ 39-3-5. Petition for certificate of necessity — Notice of pendency.
A petition in writing for the issuance of a certificate under § 39-3-1 shall first be filed with the division of public utilities and carriers by the public utility desiring to obtain the certificate. Upon receipt of the petition, the division shall fix a time and a place for a hearing thereon, and shall give such notice as it may prescribe of the pendency of the petition and of the time and place of the hearing thereon to the petitioner, to the mayor of each city, and to the president of the town council of each town, in which the petitioner desires to furnish or sell gas or electricity, and to any public utility furnishing or selling gas or electricity in the town or city, and shall give a public hearing upon the petition. After the hearing the division of public utilities and carriers shall enter an order granting or refusing to grant the petition.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 60; P.L. 1926, ch. 767, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 56; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-5; P.L. 1971, ch. 265, § 6; P.L. 1972, ch. 205, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-6. - Appeals.

§ 39-3-6. Appeals.
Any petitioner or any public utility or other party in interest aggrieved by any order of the division granting or refusing to grant the petition, or rescinding, altering, or amending any previous action of the division, may appeal to the superior court as provided in § 39-5-1, and all the other provisions of chapters 1 — 5 of this title relative to appeals shall apply to appeals from any order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 265, § 6; P.L. 1972, ch. 205, § 5; P.L. 1984, ch. 81, § 12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-7. - Fixing standards for service.

§ 39-3-7. Fixing standards for service.
The commission shall periodically, after having given each public utility concerned reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard, determine and fix by order the standard amount, quality, pressure, initial voltage, and character of each kind of product or service to be furnished or rendered by each public utility, and standard condition or conditions pertaining to furnishing or rendering the same, and thereafter each public utility shall furnish and render the same accordingly. The hearing prescribed by this section may be held simultaneously with the hearing prescribed by § 39-3-11.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 45; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 45; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 42; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-7; P.L. 1969, ch. 240, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-7.1. - Prohibited practices.

§ 39-3-7.1. Prohibited practices.
The use of “master-meters,” so-called, in apartment or tenement houses containing more than ten (10) apartments or dwelling units is hereby prohibited; provided, however, that this section shall only apply to apartment houses, construction of which is commenced after July 1, 1977. Each apartment or dwelling unit shall have a measuring device or meter for the purpose of measuring the electricity used only by that apartment. The commission shall promulgate all necessary rules and regulations to carry out the purposes and provisions of this section; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to the multifamily dwellings constructed for the exclusive use of persons who are elderly and/or disabled through public financing, whenever the organization sponsoring the construction shall elect to use a single meter for all, or designated portions, of the housing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 222, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 387, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 83, § 88; P.L. 1999, ch. 130, § 88.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-8. - Standards for measurement and testing of service.

§ 39-3-8. Standards for measurement and testing of service.
The division shall ascertain and fix adequate and serviceable standards for the measurement of the quality, pressure, initial voltage, or other condition pertaining to the supply of the product or service rendered by any public utility, and prescribe reasonable regulations for the examination and testing of the product or service and for the measurement thereof. It shall establish reasonable rules, regulations, specifications, and standards to secure accuracy of all meters and appliances for measurement, and every public utility is required to carry into effect all orders issued by the division relative thereto.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 46; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 46; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 43; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-9. - Testing of measuring devices.

§ 39-3-9. Testing of measuring devices.
The division shall provide for the examination and testing of any and all appliances used for measuring any product or service of any public utility. Any consumer or user may have any appliances tested upon payment of the fees fixed by the division. The division shall declare and establish reasonable fees to be paid for the testing of appliances on the request of the consumers or users, the fee to be paid by the consumer or user at the time of his or her request, but to be paid by the public utility and repaid to the consumer or user if the appliances be found defective or incorrect or to the disadvantage of the consumer or user. A meter shall be deemed correct for the purpose of this section if it appears from the examination or test that it does not vary more than two percent (2%) from the standard approved by the division.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 47; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 47; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 44; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 39-3 - Regulatory Powers of Administration › Section 39-3-10. - Filing and availability of rate schedules.

§ 39-3-10. Filing and availability of rate schedules.
(a)
Every public utility shall file with the public utilities administrator, within a time to be fixed by the administrator, schedules that shall be open to public inspection, showing all rates, tolls, and charges it has established and that are in force at the time for any service performed by it within the state, or for any service in connection therewith or performed by any public utility controlled or operated by it. A copy of so much of the schedules as the administrator shall deem necessary for the use of the public shall be printed in plain type, or typewritten, and kept on file in every station or office of the public utility where payments are made by the consumers or users, open to the public in such form and place as to be readily accessible and conveniently inspected, and as the administrator may order. The administrator may determine and prescribe the form in which the schedules, required by this section to be kept open to the public inspection, shall be prepared and arranged, provided, that with respect to public utilities subject to the federal Interstate Commerce Act, 49 U.S.C. § 501 et seq., so-called, the form of the schedules shall be that as from time to time prescribed by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) herein, a public utility may post on its website the rates, tolls, and charges of any retail telecommunications service performed by it within the state for any business customers. Subsection (a) herein shall not apply to any service so posted, and such public utility shall not be required to file with the public utilities administrator or publish any schedule or tariff for such service. Upon written notice to the public utilities administrator, the public utility may withdraw any schedule or tariff previously filed with the administrator for any service so posted.
(c)
Nothing in subsection (b) herein or in § 39-2-5(12) shall derogate from the statutory authority of the commission or of the division, including, but not limited to, the authority to protect ratepayers from unreasonable rates. Nor shall anything in subsection (b) herein or in § 39-2-5(12) derogate from the common law or statutory authority of the attorney general, including, but not limited to, the authority to enforce consumer protection or unfair or deceptive trade practice statutes and regulations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 795, § 48; P.L. 1918, ch. 1651, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 253, § 48; G.L. 1938, ch. 122, § 45; P.L. 1949, ch. 2172, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 39-3-10; P.L. 2011, ch. 132, § 2; P.L. 2011, ch. 148, § 2.