reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 00 - General Administration › Part 3 - The Rhode Island Telecommunications Education Access Fund (815-RICR-10-00-3) › Section 815-RICR-10-00-3.2 - Definitions

Current through June 14, 2024
A. "Department of Education" means the Rhode
				  Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
B. "Division" means the Rhode Island Division
				  of Public Utilities and Carriers.
C. "Telecommunications Education Access Fund"
				  means the programs and funding made available to qualified libraries and
				  schools to assist in paying the costs of acquiring, installing and using
				  telecommunications technologies to access the internet.
D. "Qualified library" means a public library
				  as defined in the Library Services and Technology Act,
				  20 U.S.C. §
											9122 and must be eligible for assistance from
				  a state library administrative agency under that Act. Only libraries, which
				  have budgets, that are completely separate from any schools (including, but not
				  limited to, elementary and secondary, colleges and universities), shall be
				  eligible to receive support. Libraries operating as a for-profit business shall
				  not be eligible for support.
E.
				  "Qualified school" means a public or private school that is eligible for the
				  federal Universal Service (E-Rate) support and meets the definition of
				  "elementary school" or "secondary school" in the Elementary and Secondary
				  Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. §
											8801). Schools
				  operating as a for-profit business or with endowments exceeding fifty million
				  dollars ($50,000,000) are not eligible for support.
F. "Telecommunications," for purposes of this
				  program, means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user,
				  of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of
				  the information as sent and received.
G. "Telecommunications services provider"
				  means any person, party or entity which provides local telecommunications
				  services.
H. "Telecommunications
				  service" means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the
				  public, or to such class of users as to be effectively available directly to
				  the public, regardless of the facilities used.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 00 - General Administration › Part 3 - The Rhode Island Telecommunications Education Access Fund (815-RICR-10-00-3) › Section 815-RICR-10-00-3.3 - Assessment

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §
										39-1-61(d)(1), a
				  surcharge, in an amount determined by the General Assembly, is to be assessed
				  upon each residence and business telephone access line or trunk in the state,
				  including PBX trunks and centrex equivalent trunks and each service line or
				  trunk, and upon each user interface number or extension number or similarly
				  identifiable line, trunk, or path to or from a digital network.
B. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws. §
										39-1-61(d)(1),
				  the surcharge listed in §
										3.3(A)   of this Part shall not be assessed on
				  state, local and quasi-governmental agencies. For purposes of this Section,
				  state, local and quasi-governmental agencies shall mean those state departments
				  and agencies and those city and town offices listed in the Rhode Island
				  Government Owner's Manual as published annually by the Rhode Island Secretary
				  of State's Office. The State and quasi-governmental agencies shall be those
				  listed in the section "Rhode Island State Departments and Agencies." The local
				  agencies shall be those departments listed in the section "Rhode Island City
				  and Town Officials."
C. Pursuant to
				  R.I. Gen. Laws §
										39-1-61(d)(1),
				  commencing January 1, 2004, the surcharge shall be billed by each
				  telecommunications services provider to its retail end users and shall be
				  payable to the telecommunications services provider by the subscriber of the
				  telecommunications services.
D. The
				  surcharge shall appear on subscriber bills as "Schools and Library
				  Fund."
E. Commencing March 15,
				  2004, and continuing on the fifteenth calendar day of each month, each
				  telecommunications services provider shall transfer to the Telecommunications
				  Education Access Fund of the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and
				  Carriers, the amount collected from its subscribers through the
				  Telecommunications Education Access Fund surcharge during for the month ending
				  forty-five (45) days prior to the month of transfer. Such transfers shall be
				  directed to the Telecommunications Education Access Fund Restricted Receipt
				  Account, Care of Division Clerk, 89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, Rhode Island
				  02888. The deposits shall then be forwarded to the Assistant to the Chief
				  Accountant of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers for recordation and
				  deposit into the Telecommunications Education Access Fund Restricted Receipt
				  Account.
F. In the event that the
				  General Assembly changes the amount of the surcharge, each Telecommunications
				  services provider shall commence billing the new surcharge amount no later than
				  90 days after the effective date of the General Assembly's act instituting such
				  change.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 00 - General Administration › Part 3 - The Rhode Island Telecommunications Education Access Fund (815-RICR-10-00-3) › Section 815-RICR-10-00-3.4 - Administration

Current through June 14, 2024
A. The Department of Education shall file
				  draft request(s) for proposals ("RFP(s)") for products and Services to serve
				  the internet access needs of schools and libraries with the Division for its
				  review to ensure competitive neutrality at least forty-five (45) days prior to
				  its issuance. The Division will review the draft RFP(s) to ensure competitive
				  neutrality.
B. The Department of
				  Education shall select the winning bidder in accordance with the RFP(s)
				  approved by the Division. A losing bidder may file an appeal with the
				  Division.
C. The Department of
				  Education shall endeavor to obtain all available E-Rate matching funds and is
				  encouraged to seek matching funds from all local, state, and federal public or
				  private entities.
D. The Department
				  of Education shall approve disbursements of funds from the Telecommunications
				  Education Access Fund in accordance with the terms of the successful bid(s) to
				  the annual RFP(s) to provide products and services that best serve the internet
				  access needs of schools and libraries.
E. The Division will transfer funds from the
				  Telecommunications Education Access Fund at the request of the Department of
				  Education. The Department of Education shall submit an accounting to the
				  Division indicating the identity of the payee and the dollar amount of the
				  invoices for which the Department of Education is responsible under the statute
				  together with a letter affirming that it is spending the funds from the
				  Telecommunications Education Access Fund in accordance with the requirements of
				  R.I. Gen. Laws §
										39-1-61. The Department of
				  Education shall file an accounting of all disbursements from the
				  Telecommunications Education Access Fund with the Division once annually for
				  its review to ensure that the Department of Education's decisions do not favor
				  any competitor.
F. The Division
				  shall not transfer funds from the Telecommunications Education Access Fund in
				  excess of the amount accrued in the account at the time the request is made by
				  the Department of Education.
G. The
				  Department of Education shall follow all requirements of the federal Universal
				  Service E-Rate program in evaluating bids and selecting products and
				  services.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 00 - General Administration › Part 3 - The Rhode Island Telecommunications Education Access Fund (815-RICR-10-00-3) › Section 815-RICR-10-00-3.5 - Eligibility

Current through June 14, 2024
All Qualified Schools and Qualified Libraries shall be
					 eligible for support from the Telecommunications Education Access
					 Fund.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.2 - CATV Service Areas

Current through June 14, 2024
1.2.1
Authority
Pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws §
											39-19-6, the Administrator shall
					 have authority to designate various areas of the State as CATV Service Areas,
					 upon petition by an interested party (which may include Division staff with
					 responsibility for cable television) and to approve or disapprove petitions for
					 designation of new CATV Service Areas or alteration of previously designated
					 CATV Service Areas, subject to the procedures provided for in this
					 chapter.
1.2.2
Petitions for Designation or Alteration of Service Areas
A. A petition to designate an area of the
				  State as a CATV Service Area or to alter a previously designated CATV Service
				  Area, may be filed by Division staff with responsibility for cable television,
				  by a Municipality or group of Municipalities, a CATV Company, or any party who
				  has announced an intention to form a CATV Company.
B. The petition shall be in a form acceptable
				  to the Administrator, and shall contain at a minimum the following information:
1. identity of the party filing the
				  petition;
2. name, address and
				  telephone number of the person who may be contacted for further information
				  about the petition;
3. a U.S.
				  Geodetic Survey map (or equivalent) showing the boundaries of the proposed CATV
				  Service Area and the boundaries of the territory within this Service Area in
				  which CATV service would be initially available;
4. population and number of dwelling units in
				  the total proposed service area and in the territory in which CATV service
				  would be initially available;
5.
				  population density data or other information which will demonstrate to the
				  Administrator that all areas in which service is or may become feasible are
				  being included in the proposed CATV Service Area, and in the territory within
				  the serviced area in which CATV service would be initially available;
6. financial and or other information which
				  will assist the Administrator in determining the financial viability of a CATV
				  System in the proposed Service Area; and
7. a statement to support the contention that
				  to grant the petition would be in the public interest.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.3 - Certificates and Applications

Current through June 14, 2024
1.3.1
General
				  Provisions
A. All Certificates
				  granted in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 39-19, as amended, shall be
				  non-exclusive in nature, and of an indefinite term.
B. Applications for Certificates shall be
				  filed with the Administrator in a format approved by the
				  Administrator.
C. All applications
				  for Certificates are defined as contested cases, and are subject to the
				  provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.
D. All Certificates granted by the
				  Administrator shall be accompanied by an order setting forth reasons for
				  granting the Certificate.
E.
				  Applications will be accepted only for those areas of the State officially
				  designated as CATV Service Areas by the Administrator.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.4 - Transfers and Assignments

Current through June 14, 2024
1.4.1
Transfer of Certificates
A. A
				  Certificate or substantial control thereof may not be sold, assigned or
				  transferred, either in whole or in part, or leased, sublet, or mortgaged in any
				  manner, nor shall title thereto, either legal or equitable, or any right,
				  interest or property therein, pass to, or vest in any person, firm, corporation
				  or other organization, group or body, either through an act of the awardee or
				  operator, by merger, consolidation, or by operation of law, whether by
				  foreclosure, judicial sale, receivership, bankruptcy, reorganization,
				  condemnation or other action or proceeding, without the approval of the
				  Administrator in a written order, following a duly noticed public
				  hearing.
B. An application for a
				  transfer or assignment shall be commenced by filing a copy of FCC Form 394,
				  together with all exhibits, with the Division, along with a statement by the
				  transferee as to:
1. its financial and
				  technical fitness,
2. management's
				  experience operating a CATV System,
3. a sworn affirmation that the transferee
				  will conform to the requirements, orders, rules and regulations of the
				  Division, and
4. why the proposed
				  transfer is consistent with the public interest.
C. The criteria for approval of any
				  assignment or transfer by the Administrator shall be identical with the
				  criteria required to be met at the awarding of an original Compliance Order
				  Certificate.
D. The granting of
				  approval by the Administrator in any one instance, shall not constitute a
				  waiver or grant in any other instance nor render unnecessary any other or
				  subsequent approval.
E. Nothing in
				  this section contained shall be deemed to prohibit a mortgage, pledge or sale
				  and lease back of a system, or any part thereof, for financing purposes with
				  the consent of the Administrator.
F. The Administrator shall have one hundred
				  and twenty (120) days from the date of an application for transfer or
				  assignment to act upon an application to transfer or assign unless the
				  applicant and the Administrator agree to an extension of time.
G. Upon approval of any such sale, transfer,
				  or assignment, the purchaser, transferee, or assignee shall return all
				  certificates to the Administrator who shall then issue new Certificates in the
				  name of the new Certificate holder.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.5 - Revocation, Abandonment and Administrative Penalties

Current through June 14, 2024
1.5.1
Abandonment
No certificate, nor any operating CATV System or portion
					 thereof shall be abandoned by the holder or operator without the written
					 consent of the Administrator.
1.5.2
Revocation for Cause
A. Upon application by the Administrator, the
				  Public Utilities Commission may, after public hearing, cancel, revoke, suspend
				  or alter any Certificate for the following causes as provided in R.I. Gen. Laws
				  §
											39-19-8, as amended:
1. willful violation of any provision of R.I.
				  Gen. Laws Chapter 39-19, as amended.
2. failure of the Certificate holder to
				  comply with any reasonable rule, regulation, order, or direction of the
				  Administrator; provided, however, that the Administrator shall not file such
				  application until after he has given the certificate holder a reasonable
				  opportunity to correct such failure or to satisfy the Administrator that such
				  failure was due to causes beyond its control.
3. for failure to commence operations within
				  a reasonable time after receipt of a Certificate of Authority to
				  Operate.
4. after commencing
				  operations, for failing (without good cause shown) for a continuous period of
				  sixty (60) days to render Proper Service.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.6 - Obscenity

Current through June 14, 2024
1.6.1
General Provisions
In addition to the Division regulations set forth in this
					 chapter there are also applicable FCC rules and regulations dealing with
					 obscenity (47 C.F.R. §
												76.702 (2018)) and defining origination
					 cablecasting (47 C.F.R.
					 §
												76.5(p) (2018)).
					 Reference is also made to applicable Rhode Island statutes which cover
					 obscenity (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 11-31 and 12-27).
1.6.2
Dissemination of Obscene Program
				  Material Prohibited
Neither a CATV Certificate holder nor RIPTA shall knowingly
					 create, produce, direct, reproduce, publish, present, transmit, disseminate,
					 advertise or exhibit, from whatever source, any programming which is obscene
					 according to contemporary community standards or otherwise illegal on any
					 channel originated by the CATV Certificate holder.
1.6.3
Operating Rules for PEG Access
				  Channel
Each Electing CATV Operator and RIPTA shall adopt PEG
					 access user rules and guidelines for PEG access channels, to be filed with the
					 Division prior to the activation of these channels, designed to prohibit the
					 presentation of any obscene material over these channels. Except as hereinabove
					 specified, neither an Electing CATV Operator nor RIPTA shall have control over
					 the content of PEG access programming.
1.6.4
Movie Ratings
Every CATV Certificate holder shall publish in advance the
					 ratings of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for all movies
					 cablecast when such ratings are available from the MPAA.
1.6.5
Referral to the Department of
				  Attorney General
When a program is determined to be obscene or otherwise
					 illegal, under §
											1.6   of this Part, the matter shall be referred to the
					 Department of the Attorney General of the State of Rhode
					 Island.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.7 - Technical and Design Standards

Current through June 14, 2024
1.7.1
Compliance with Design Standards; Waivers
All CATV Systems constructed and operated within this State
					 shall conform to the minimum design criteria set forth in this chapter.
1.7.2
Residential
				  Network
A. All CATV Systems in Rhode
				  Island shall meet the following minimum standards:
1. shall be designed with an initial analog
				  passband of 750 MHz;
2. be designed
				  to be an active two-way plant utilizing the return bandwidth to permit such
				  services as impulse pay-per-view and other interactive services; and
3. possess stand-by powering.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.8 - Construction of CATV System

Current through June 14, 2024
1.8.1
Timetable - General Provisions
A. All
				  Certificates granted according to these rules shall be subject to the specific
				  timetable contained in § 1.8.2 of this Part.
B. Requests for waiver of the timetable will
				  be entertained by the Administrator only upon a showing that compliance is
				  beyond the control of the awardee.
C. Certificate holders are expected to keep
				  the Administrator informed of progress in pre-construction and construction
				  phases so that he may initiate investigation in the event of delays.
D. Unless for reasonable cause otherwise
				  ordered by the Administrator, failure to meet the requirements of the timetable
				  contained in § 1.8.2 of this Part will be considered grounds for either
				  revocation of the Certificates issued or a fine based on the provisions
				  contained in § 1.5.3 of this Part (Administrative Penalties).
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.9 - Safety Requirements

Current through June 14, 2024
1.9.1
Safety
				  Codes and Standards
A. All
				  construction of CATV Systems shall be with the use of materials of good and
				  durable quality.
B. All work
				  involved in construction, installation, maintenance and repair of CATV Systems
				  shall be performed in a safe, thorough and reliable manner, and in compliance
				  with applicable safety codes, including electric or other public utility codes
				  for joint use of pole lines and underground trenches or conduits, and
				  applicable federal, State and municipal law, ordinance and
				  regulation.
C. All construction,
				  operation and maintenance of CATV Systems shall be governed by the latest
				  edition of the National Electric Code and National Electric Safety
				  Code.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.10 - Extensions of Service

Current through June 14, 2024
1.10.1
Density
For the purposes of this chapter, "household density" or
					 "density" shall mean the number of households or other Subscribers in a Service
					 Area or part of a Service Area, divided by the linear miles of cable plant in
					 that service area or part of a Service Area.
1.10.2
Density Standards;
				  Waivers
A. In all Service Areas in
				  which the overall average density is greater than 60 homes per mile, the
				  applicant is required immediately upon receipt of a Construction Certificate to
				  proceed to wire the entire Service Area and to complete such total wiring and
				  to make service available to every household in the area with deliberate
				  expedition.
B. In all Service Areas
				  in which the overall average density is less than 60 homes per mile, the
				  applicant upon receipt of a Construction Certificate is required to proceed
				  without delay to make service available to all homes in those portions of the
				  Service Area having a density of 15 homes per ¼ mile.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.11 - Tariff and Other Filings

Current through June 14, 2024
1.11.1
Tariff
				  Required; Other Informational Filings
As required by R.I. Gen. Laws §
											39-19-6 and subject to federal
					 law, no certificates shall be issued or remain valid unless the applicant or
					 Certificate holder (unless otherwise exempted) has filed with the Division and
					 revised to keep current a copy of FCC Forms 1240 and 1205 (or such other
					 appropriate forms) and a complete schedule of rates, charges and fees as
					 provided in § 1.11.3 of this Part.
1.11.2
General Provisions
A. As provided in R.I. Gen. Laws §
											39-19-6, all rates and charges
				  charged by a CATV Company shall be reasonably compensatory so as not to
				  encourage unfair or destructive competitive practices and shall be applied
				  without discrimination.
B. Nothing
				  herein shall prohibit the following:
1. the
				  waiving or reduction of rates and charges in conjunction with promotional
				  campaigns for the purpose of attracting Subscribers;
2. the provision of installation or monthly
				  service without charge to schools, government or non-profit organizations or
				  agencies, or buildings owned or operated by such agencies at the option of the
				  CATV System Operator; or
3.
				  voluntary offering of reasonable discounts to senior citizens or other
				  economically disadvantaged group discounts.
C. Any and all proposed tariffs or proposed
				  revisions to existing tariffs shall be filed with the Division at least thirty
				  (30) days in advance of their effective date(s). Upon filing its proposal, the
				  Certificate Holder shall, at its sole cost and expense, forthwith publish
				  notice of the filing of the proposal or revision at least once in a newspaper
				  of general circulation within the entire affected CATV Service Area. Tariff
				  filings shall be kept available for public inspection during normal business
				  hours at the local business office of the Certificate holder, and the published
				  notice shall state the address and normal business hours of that
				  office.
D. The Administrator, on
				  his own motion, or upon request of Subscribers, may hold public hearings on
				  tariff filings, and will hold hearings on filings as required by R.I. Gen. Laws
				  §
											39-19-6 and applicable federal
				  law.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.12 - Insurance and Indemnification

Current through June 14, 2024
1.12.1
Save
				  Harmless Provision
A. The holder of a
				  Construction Certificate or Certificate of Authority to Operate shall indemnify
				  and hold harmless all governmental bodies and officials from any and all
				  claims, demands, causes of action, action, suits, proceedings, liability,
				  damage, cost and expense of every kind and nature whatsoever, including but not
				  limited to damages arising from claims of injury or death to persons or damage
				  to property occasioned by or arising out of any conduct undertaken pursuant to
				  the granting of a certificate or pertaining to the exercise or the enjoyment
				  thereof.
B. The holder of a
				  Construction Certificate or Certificate of Authority to Operate shall pay and
				  satisfy any judgment, decree or order issued in any of the premises against
				  such governmental body or official.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.13 - Customer Service

Current through June 14, 2024
1.13.1
Local
				  Business Office
A. Each CATV System
				  Operator must maintain at least one local business office in the state that
				  shall be open and adequately staffed during normal business hours. Provided,
				  however, that each CATV System Operator providing service in six (6) or more
				  service areas shall have a minimum of three (3) local business offices
				  statewide.
B. Such office shall not
				  only be open during all usual business hours, and adequately staffed, but also
				  provision shall be made so that telephone calls from Subscribers may be
				  received at any time.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.16 - Reports and Filings

Current through June 14, 2024
1.16.1
Annual
				  Report Required
A. Within one year of
				  the granting of a Certificate of Authority to Operate, on March 31 and annually
				  thereafter, every CATV Operator and RIPTA, as applicable, shall file a report
				  with the Division, containing the information required by the following
				  sections and any other information the Administrator may require. The report
				  shall be made in a form acceptable to the Administrator.
B. The Division shall review each such annual
				  report as it is received, and present the results of its review to the
				  Administrator.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 10 - Telecommunications › Subchapter 05 - Cable Television › Part 1 - Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems (815-RICR-10-05-1) › Section 815-RICR-10-05-1.17 - Peg Studio and Interconnect

Current through June 14, 2024
1.17.1
Transfer of Existing PEG and Interconnect Facilities to RIPTA
A. On or after January 1, 2007, any existing
				  CATV Operator may transfer to RIPTA the ownership of its PEG access studios (or
				  where applicable the operation of its PEG access facilities), and the ownership
				  of playback equipment and existing Interconnect playback equipment.
B. No later than thirty (30) days prior to
				  the effective date of any such transfer, the contracting parties shall provide
				  the Division the following documentation:
1. a
				  copy of the agreement effecting the transfer;
2. a notice designating the effective date of
				  the transfer; and
3. a notarized
				  affidavit that each lease entered into between the parties or assumed by RIPTA
				  is at fair market value, and that the transferor's employees working in public
				  access facilities shall become employees of RIPTA on the effective date of the
				  transfer unless otherwise negotiated to the satisfaction of the
				  Division.
C. On or
				  before March 31, 2007, any existing CATV Operator electing to continue to
				  operate and manage its PEG access studio(s) within its Service Area shall
				  provide written notice to the Division of its election to do so, without
				  prejudice to deciding at a subsequent time to transfer its PEG access studios
				  (or where applicable the operation of its PEG access facilities), and the
				  ownership of playback equipment and existing Interconnect playback
				  equipment.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.1 - Incorporated Materials

Current through June 14, 2024
A. These
				  regulations hereby adopt and incorporate 49 C.F.R. Parts 40 (2018) and 49, 49
				  C.F.R. Parts 190-199(2018) by reference, not including any further editions or
				  amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not
				  inconsistent with this Part.
B.
				  These regulations hereby adopt and incorporate the following National Fire
				  Protection Association (NFPA) publications by reference, not including any
				  further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the
				  provisions therein are not inconsistent with this Part:
1. NFPA 54 National Fuel & Gas Code
				  (2018),
2. NFPA 58 Storage and
				  Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (2017),
3. NFPA 59 Storage and Handling of Liquefied
				  Petroleum Gases at Utility Gas Plants (2018), and
4. NFPA 59A Production Storage and Handling
				  of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) (2016).
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.2 - Application of Rules and Regulations

Current through June 14, 2024
A. This Part shall
				  apply to all LDC's, Master Meter Systems, and Jurisdictional Propane Systems
				  engaged in the business of manufacturing, distributing, selling or transmitting
				  natural or other gas by pipeline in the State of Rhode Island; currently, there
				  is one LDC, 40 Master Meter Systems, and 20 Jurisdictional Propane Systems in
				  operation within the State of Rhode Island, all of whom are subject to all or
				  specified portions of these rules.
B. These Rules and Regulations replace the
				  following existing Division rules and regulations:
1. Rules & Regulations Prescribing
				  Standards for Gas Utilities, effective date June 8, 1966,
2. Regulations Regarding Gas Pipeline Safety
				  Enforcement Procedures Docket No. D- 86-4, effective date March 13,
				  1986,
3. Control of Drug Use in
				  Natural Gas and Liquified Natural Gas, effective date May 10, 1990,
				  and
4. the Rules and Regulations
				  Prescribing Standards for Gas Line Abandonment & Leakage Survey Procedures
				  Docket No. D- 86-2, effective date May 21, 1986.
5. These four existing compilations of rules
				  and regulations of the Division are hereby rescinded upon the effective date of
				  this document.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.4 - Service Provisions

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Filing of Rate
				  Schedules: All rates, tolls and charges by the LDC shall be filed, posted, and
				  available for public inspection in accordance with the provisions of R.I. Gen.
				  Laws §
										39-3-10. In addition, each LDC
				  shall post this information on their company website.
B. Information to Customers
1. Each LDC shall, upon request, provide its
				  customers such information and reasonable assistance as will help them to
				  select the best use of service at the most advantageous rate. However, the
				  ultimate responsibility for the selection of the best use of service at the
				  most advantageous rate will rest with the customer.
2. Each LDC shall, upon request, explain to
				  its customers the method of reading meters.
3. Meters installed after the effective date
				  of this instruction in a residential or commercial facility with more than one
				  meter on a meter bar assembly must be marked to identify the individual
				  customers. (i.e., apartment 1, apartment 2, second floor, third floor right,
				  etc.)
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.5 - Quality of Gas Service

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Heating Value
				  Requirements
1. Standard of Heating Value
a. Every LDC shall establish its own standard
				  of heating value, which shall be stated in its rate schedule. If the
				  transmission company supplying the LDC files a Federal tariff in compliance
				  with 18 C.F.R. Part 154 of the FERC's "General Rules and Regulations"
				  establishing a lower heating value for the gas it furnishes the utility, then
				  the heating value thus established shall become the standard of the LDC for the
				  gas it furnishes its customers. Resulting decreases in the wholesale rates
				  charged the LDC by its supplier shall be reflected in the concomitant
				  application of the LDC's filed Purchased Gas Price Adjustment to the rates
				  charged its customers.
b. Each
				  LDC, unless specifically directed otherwise by the Division, shall maintain
				  equipment for the determination of the heating value of the gas sold.
c. Each LDC shall establish the
				  accuracy of all means of determining heating value in normal use by periodic
				  check tests and shall maintain a record of such tests on file for a period of
				  two (2) years. If an LDC uses a calorimeter of the recording type, they shall
				  be checked at least annually.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.6 - Meters in General, Installations, Accuracy, and Testing

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Meters in General
1. All meters removed from service due to a
				  high bill complaint must be held for 60 days after the test to allow the
				  customer ample time to review a second witnessed meter test if so desired. In
				  order to prevent contamination, all meters shall be capped until installation
				  or retirement from service.
2. A
				  meter with an index reading other than zero may be placed in service, provided
				  that meter and billing records are kept in a manner permitting verification of
				  the readings as of the time of removal from the prior premises and installation
				  at the succeeding premises.
3. Tin
				  case meters shall not be returned to service. Whenever a tin case meter is
				  removed from service for any reason it must be tested for accuracy and held
				  according to the requirements set forth in §
											1.6(A)(1)   of this Part, if
				  applicable.
4. The capacity of the
				  meter at installation shall be consistent with the reported projected gas
				  requirements of the customer at the time of installation.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.8 - Records and Reports

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Physical Plant
				  Records
Each LDC shall keep sufficient records of the operation of
					 its physical plant to show the characteristics and performance of each unit.
B. Gas Supply Measurement
Each LDC shall utilize a suitable measuring device, or
					 otherwise determine production, at each source of supply in order that a record
					 may be maintained of the quantity of gas produced at each source. Unless the
					 transmission company supplying the gas furnishes sufficient information, each
					 LDC purchasing gas shall maintain adequate instruments and meters to obtain
					 complete information as to such purchases.
C. System Maps
Each LDC shall have on file, located within the State, a
					 suitable map, maps, drawings or electronic data, showing the following:
1. The size, character and location of all
				  mains, including valves.
2. The
				  size and location of each service connection, where practicable. In lieu of
				  showing service locations on maps, a card record or other suitable means may be
				  used.
3. The layout of all
				  principal metering and regulator stations, production plants to show size,
				  location and character of all major equipment pipelines, connections, valves
				  and other equipment used.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.9 - General/Safety

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Safety Instructions
1. Each LDC shall adopt comprehensive
				  instructions for the safety of employees in regard to the operation,
				  construction or maintenance of its plant and facilities, and shall be satisfied
				  that such employees have been properly informed of safe practices and are
				  cognizant of all hazards involved.
2. Except in certain commercial and
				  industrial applications that require a standby fuel the LDC shall have the
				  authority to refuse initial natural gas service to a customer that uses another
				  gaseous fuel, such as liquefied petroleum gas, in the same building.
3. Anytime the existence of a mercury
				  regulator is found in a commercial or residential facility the LDC shall remove
				  said mercury regulator and contract for the disposal of the contents in a safe
				  and acceptable manner consistent with all applicable Federal and State
				  regulations regarding such practice.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.10 - Abandonment of Gas Services

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Abandonment of
				  Service Lines That Become Inactive after the Effective Date of these
				  Regulations:
1. All non-plastic and
				  non-cathodically-protected steel inactive service lines and service stubs shall
				  be abandoned within five (5) years, unless such lines have been reactivated
				  prior to that time.
2. All plastic
				  and cathodically-protected steel inactive service lines shall be physically
				  disconnected (cut off) within close proximity of a property line within five
				  (5) years.
3. The LDC should
				  determine whether inactive service lines ought to be abandoned at any prior
				  time. The determination shall be based on such appropriate variables as service
				  line age, location, condition, material, construction methods, leak and
				  maintenance history of the pipe, existence and/or application of cathodic
				  protection, individual and property-owner requests and other criteria selected
				  by the LDC.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.11 - Control of Drug and Alcohol Use

Current through June 14, 2024
Refer to the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations rules set
					 out in 49 C.F.R. Part 40 and Parts 190-199, incorporated above in §
										1.1(A)
					   of this Part.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.12 - Enforcement Procedures

Current through June 14, 2024
A. Jurisdiction
1. The Rhode Island Division of Public
				  Utilities and Carriers, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §§
											39-3-1 and
				  39-4-1, is empowered to prescribe
				  and enforce safety standards and to regulate safety practices of persons
				  engaged in the transportation of natural gas and other gas by pipeline to the
				  extent permitted by the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, Public Law
				  90-481, and any amendments thereto.
2. The Federal regulations issued under the
				  Act of 1968, Public Law 90-481, promulgated by the Office of Pipeline Safety of
				  the United States Department of Transportation and published in 49 C.F.R. Part
				  40 and 40 C.F.R. Parts 190-199, incorporated above in §
											1.1(A)   of this
				  Part, apply to all LDC's, Master Meter Systems, and Jurisdictional Propane
				  Systems. The Safety Standards of the Act (the Pipeline Safety Regulations)
				  apply to design, installation, inspection, testing, construction, extension,
				  operation, replacement and maintenance of pipeline facilities. Standards
				  affecting the design, installation, construction, initial inspection, and
				  testing, are not applicable to pipeline facilities in existence prior to the
				  act. The Division has adopted the above regulations as state regulations.
3. The Division may prescribe
				  additional safety standards that apply to LDC's, Master Meter Systems, and
				  Jurisdictional Propane Systems. Such safety standards shall be practicable and
				  designed to meet the needs for pipeline safety. When prescribing and enforcing
				  such standards, the Division will consider:
a. Relevant available pipeline safety data.
b. Whether such standards are
				  appropriate for the particular type of pipeline transportation.
c. The reasonableness of any proposed
				  standards.
d. The extent to which
				  such standards will contribute to public safety.
4. Whenever the Division finds a particular
				  facility to be hazardous to life or property, it is empowered to require the
				  person operating such facility to take steps necessary to remove such
				  hazards.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.13 - Meter Labeling (Appendix A)

Current through June 14, 2024
A. There shall be
				  provided and affixed to the front of each customers gas meter a waterproof
				  decalcomania having a bright yellow background enclosed by black border lines
				  not less than 1/16" in width.
B.
				  Within the border lines there shall be printed on the label with black ink in
				  characters not less than 3/16" high arranged in three lines with the third line
				  not less than 1/4" high indicating the month and year the meter was last
				  installed in accordance with the following label arrangement:
TESTED AND ADJUSTED
TO R.I.D.P.U. STANDARDS
INSTALLATION DATE:
C.
				  Each "Decal" label shall not be less than 2 1/4" in length by 7/8" in width in
				  size. The coloring or printing shall be of a material that is suitable for New
				  England climatic exposure. Any meter removed from service due to a high bill
				  complaint must maintain the meter decal label until the required two (2) month
				  holding period has ended.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 20 - Natural Gas and Jurisdictional Propane › Subchapter 00 - N/A › Part 1 - Standards for Gas Utilities, Master Meter Systems and Jurisdictional Propane Systems (815-RICR-20-00-1) › Section 815-RICR-20-00-1.14 - Telephonic Notice of Certain Gas Incidents (Appendix B)

Current through June 14, 2024
A. At the earliest practicable moment
				  following discovery each LDC, Master Meter System, or Jurisdictional Propane
				  System shall give notice of any gas incident. "Incident" means any of the
				  following events that results:
1. In the
				  involvement of an unanticipated release of gas:
a. from a pipeline or
b. an LNG facility or
c. of a liquefied natural gas or
d. a death or personal injury or
e. property damage
Rhode Island Code of Regulations › Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers › Chapter 30 - Electric Utilities › Subchapter 00 - General Administration › Part 1 - Standards for Electric Utilities › Section 815-RICR-30-00-1.1 - Purpose and Authority

Current through June 14, 2024
A. These rules
				  shall apply to every public utility as hereinafter defined doing business as
				  such, or authorized to do so, within the State of Rhode Island.
B. These rules shall be amended or repealed,
				  and applications therefore shall be made, in accordance with provisions of R.I.
				  Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35 entitled "Administrative Procedures".