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Utility Ownership and Use of Electric Generation Legislation
In Rhode Island S2645 establishes when electric distribution companies can own or operate generation and how they can that use that specific generation for service obligations. On June 9, 2026 the Senate voted to recommit the bill to Senate Commerce.
This bill as written would allow electric distribution companies to own, operate, construct, or acquire electric-generating facilities including energy storage built or acquired after January 1, 2025 without violating existing restructuring rules. It also revises last-resort service provisions to allow an electric distribution company to procure last-resort power either from wholesale suppliers or from generating facilities it owns, subject to Public Utilities Commission review and approval of the company’s supply acquisition plan.
The bill also updates the definition of “electric-generating facilities” to include certain large generating units or modified generating stations owned or operated by nonregulated power producers, domestic electric utilities, or their affiliates that generate electricity on or after January 1, 2025. It also clarifies that domestic electric utilities can sell electricity through a regional marketplace operated by a regional transmission organization.
