Rhode Island § 39-20-3 - Ownership of Electric-Generating Facilities

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 39-20-3 — Ownership of Electric-Generating Facilities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-20-3. Ownership of Electric-Generating Facilities

R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-20-3

§ 39-20-3. Powers of domestic electric utilities.

Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of any general or special law relating to the powers and authorities of domestic electric utilities or any limitation imposed by their charters (which are hereby amended), but subject to the provisions of this title and this chapter, a domestic electric utility shall have the following additional powers:

(1) Jointly or separately to plan, finance, construct, purchase, operate, maintain, use, share costs of, own, mortgage, lease, sell, provide services for, dispose of, or otherwise participate in electric-generating facilities, or portions thereof, within or without the state, or the product or service therefrom, or securities issued in connection with the financing of electric-generating facilities or portions thereof;

(2) To enter into and perform contracts for joint or separate planning, financing, construction, purchase, operation, maintenance, use, sharing costs of, ownership, mortgaging, leasing, sale, providing services for, disposal of, or other participation in electric-generating facilities, or portions thereof, within or without the state, or the product or service therefrom, or securities issued in connection with the financing of electric-generating facilities or portions thereof, including, without limitation, contracts for the payment of obligations imposed without regard to the operational status of a facility or facilities and contracts with domestic or foreign electric utilities for the sale or purchase of electricity from an electric-generating facility or facilities for long or short periods of time or for the life of a specific electric-generating unit or units; and

(3) To enter into and perform contracts for the transmission both within or without the state of the capacity and related energy from a specifically identified electric-generating facility, wherever located, to its own retail service territory, or to any purchaser of such capacity and related energy; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a domestic electric utility to sell electricity at wholesale or retail within or without this state unless:

(i) The sale is authorized under its charter or the general or special laws of this state other than this chapter; or

(ii) The sale constitutes a sale of capacity and related energy from a specifically identified electric-generating facility or a sale of economy, backup, and other energy therefrom.

History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 215, § 1.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 39-20-3

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 39-20-3 cover?

Section 39-20-3 ("Ownership of Electric-Generating Facilities") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Rhode Island § 39-20-3?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 39-20-3" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.

How does Rhode Island § 39-20-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.