Docket No. 4503 - Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers

Status of Docket: Closed.

Repeal of Rules in 2018:

Notice of Proposed Rulemaling to repeal regulations entitled "Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers". Public comment ends April 12, 2018. No objection was received.

PUC files to repeal the regulation with the Secretary of State's Office on April 18, 2018.

Promulgation of Rules in 2014:

The Public Utilities Commission hereby gives notice that it intends to amend existing rules entitled "Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers". The existing rules are amended to require Nonregulated Power Producers to include in customer disclosures/marketing materials, additional information necessary for retail electricity customers to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the energy portion of their electricity from a Nonregulated Power Producer without adding further regulatory burden on the Nonregulated Power Producer. The proposed rules are also amended to streamline the dispute resolution process for customers and properly reflect the statutory jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.



The Public Utilities Commission will accept comments on the day of the hearing scheduled June 12, 2014 @ 9:30 A.M. Written comments can also be filed with the Commission Clerk. The deadline to file written comments is June 16, 2014 by 4:00 P.M.

• Proposed Amended Rules showing additions and deletions, including Notice of Rulemaking and Public Hearing,
• Existing rules - Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers, effective December 31, 1997.
• Public comments submitted by:
  • Ratepayers Advisory Board (6/12/14)
  • AARP Rhode Island (6/16/14)
  • Retail Energy Supply Association (6/16/14)
  • National Grid (6/16/14)
  • Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (7/16/14)
• Adopted Rules incorporating amendments approved by the PUC on June 30, 2014 pursuant to open meeting decision.

On July 16, 2014, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers submitted comments noting an inconsistency in the PUC's adopted rules. According to the Division, Part III, Section H.2 could be read to require PUC review of Division decisions, in conflict with the intent to move away from such practice. Accordingly, the PUC hereby solicits comments on the following rules incorporating the deletion of Part III, Section H.2 and formatting changes to Section III. The deadline to file written comments is August 20, 2014 by 4:00 P.M.

• Adopted Rules showing deletion of Part III, Section H.2 and formatting changes to Section III.

At open meeting held September 19, 2014,the PUC finalized and adopted new rules entitled "Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers" for effect October 20, 2014.



PUC Report summarizing the travel of the case and rationale for adopting amended regulations entitled "Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers. Report issued 2/4/15.