SENATE RESOLUTION FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE CREATION AND ADOPTION OF A SEASONAL HEAT PUMP RATE AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

S2535

2026 -- S 2535
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LC004472
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES
COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE CREATION AND ADOPTION OF A SEASONAL
HEAT PUMP RATE AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

Introduced By:
Senators DiMario, Britto, Euer, Lauria, Zurier, Mack, DiPalma, Vargas,
Gu, and Bissaillon

Date Introduced:
February 13, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Environment & Agriculture
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WHEREAS, There exists the need for specific electric heat pump rate designs that
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encourage clean heating and lower prices, similar to actions currently taken in other states; and
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WHEREAS, The current rate structure overcharges heat pump owners for their usage of
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the electric distribution grid; and
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WHEREAS, In addition, seasonal heat pump rates are designed to lower electricity costs
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for consumers by offering reduced distribution charges during colder months; and
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WHEREAS, Massachusetts has already implemented seasonal heat pump rates, setting a
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precedent and a successful procedure for consumer notification and implementation; and
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WHEREAS, The Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council, in its 2025 Climate
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Action Strategy, indicates that Rhode Island needs to increase adoption of electric heating in
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order for the state to meet its 2030, 2040 and 2050 climate goals; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island Energy has opened Docket 25-45-GE at the Public Utilities
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Commission to adjust distribution rates for all Rhode Island customers; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby formally requests that
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Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission consider the creation and adoption of a seasonal heat
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pump rate as part of Docket 25-45-GE; and be it further

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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Chairman Ronald T. Gerwatowski, the Rhode
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Island Public Utilities Commission, and President Greg Cornett, Rhode Island Energy.
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LC004472
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