The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission approved Rhode Island Energy’s summer rates for residential customers on Friday, indicating future relief from high winter bills.
The rate approval has sparked backlash from community members worried about rising electric costs. In response, state Rep. Megan Cotter has co-sponsored legislation to fund customer participation in hearings regarding ratemaking and related issues before the RIPUC.
At a public hearing earlier this month, residents crowded the RIPUC office in Warwick, with protesters urging commissioners and lawmakers to address escalating energy costs.
This past winter, energy bills for average customers nearly doubled from 2017 levels, climbing from $100 to $168. Although summer rates will be lower, increases in distribution and transmission will keep them unaffordable for many, protesters said.
The newly approved summer rates are the highest in eight years, averaging around $142 for a residential customer.
During protests, residents reported energy bills soaring from $100 to $400 within months, holding signs saying “No more shut-offs” and “People over profit.”
Cotter, a Democrat focused on energy justice, cited residents’ reactions as indicative of growing energy concerns.
Cotter noted that energy rates are a persistent issue, particularly for middle-class ratepayers who don’t qualify for low-income relief programs, yet face a significant financial burden.
Community members argue these concerns remain unaddressed by the PUC.
During the public hearing, Warwick resident Catherine Zelazny thanked the PUC for holding the meeting but urged them to genuinely listen to residents.
Cotter expressed surprise at the “indifference” shown by PUC members during the hearing, warning that many residents face potential shut-offs starting April 15.
The lack of resources for community members to participate in decision-making rooms partly explains the approval of new summer rates despite public opposition, said Emily Koo, senior policy advocate at the Acadia Center.
Cotter, in collaboration with the Acadia Center and the Conservation Law Foundation, proposed legislation to create an intervenor support program. The program would assist individuals or organizations in participating in RIPUC and Energy Facility Siting Board hearings.
The program addresses the resource gap that prevents community members from effectively influencing energy decisions.
Evidentiary hearings, unlike public comment sessions, function like courtrooms where commissioners evaluate proposals and evidence from interested parties.
Jamie Rhodes, senior attorney at Conservation Law Foundation, noted that regulators and utility companies have resources to engage in legal processes, but affected communities often lack similar access.
The proposed intervenor support program would offer grants for those meeting legal criteria to serve as intervenors but lacking financial resources, with potential funding from the state budget.
Rhodes and others cite evidence that intervention leads to meaningful change, as seen when low-income residents secured higher refunds after Rhode Island Energy’s accounting errors.
Residents are also concerned about renewable energy’s impact on their bills, with Rhode Island Energy’s proposal including costs for meeting state renewable requirements. A proposal for a solar farm in Johnston was previously rejected after resident opposition.
The intervenor support program would also facilitate participation in cases concerning solar and energy infrastructure development.
Similar efforts exist in neighboring states like Maine and Connecticut, and Massachusetts plans to launch a comparable program as part of its 2024 climate bill.
The bill, introduced last month, awaits further study by the House and aims for the program’s implementation by September.
Koo believes the bill has a strong chance of passing, emphasizing its potential to enhance regulatory engagement.
Cotter views the intervenor support program as a step towards overhauling Rhode Island’s energy system. Other proposals include capping Rhode Island Energy’s profit and exploring a state-run utility.
Cotter advocates adding a representative for low-income home energy assistance in the PUC to understand the tough choices faced by many Rhode Islanders.
Cotter is confident these changes are crucial for addressing the main challenges residents face.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org