Requesting the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to Terminate Gas Line Extension Allowances as Part of Docket 25-45-Ge

WHEREAS, Current Rhode Island Energy tariff, “RIPUC RIE-GAS No. 101,” allows for the utility to spread over all gas customers the cost of connecting new customers to the gas distribution system, which is commonly referred to as a “gas line extension allowance”; and

WHEREAS, According to the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council’s 20 Climate Action Strategy there needs to be a reduction in the use of gas for home heating in order to meet the State's 2030, 2040, and 2050 emissions reduction requirements; and

WHEREAS, Connecting new customers to the gas distribution system locks in customer subsidization of new infrastructure whose intended life extends beyond the 2050 net zero emissions requirements; and

WHEREAS, Current Rhode Island Energy tariffs require all electric customers to pay for new connections to the electric distribution systems by individual customers; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island Energy has opened Docket 25-45-GE at the Public Utilities Commission to adjust distribution rates and modify existing tariffs for all Rhode Island customers; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby formally requests that the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission terminate gas line extension allowances as part of Docket 25-45-GE; and be it further

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