Rhode Island § 39-20-4 - Ownership of Electric-Generating Facilities

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 39-20-4 — Ownership of Electric-Generating Facilities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-20-4. Ownership of Electric-Generating Facilities

R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-20-4

§ 39-20-4. Powers of foreign electric utilities and nonregulated power producers.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 7-1.2-1401 and 7-1.2-1402, and any other provision of any general or special law relating to the rights of foreign corporations to transact business in this state and to produce a certificate of authority under chapter 1.2 of title 7 to transact business, limiting the powers, rights, and privileges of a foreign corporation procuring a certificate, and establishing the duties, restrictions, penalties, and liabilities imposed on a foreign corporation, but subject to the provisions of this chapter, a foreign electric utility:

(1) Shall have the right to transact business in this state to the extent necessary or desirable to exercise the powers set forth in § 39-20-3 in connection with electric-generating facilities or portions thereof located within this state or the product or service therefrom or securities issued in connection with the financing of the facilities or portions thereof;

(2) Shall be entitled to procure a certificate of authority under chapter 1.2 of title 7 to transact business; and

(3) Shall have within this state the powers set forth in § 39-20-3 in connection with electric-generating facilities or portions thereof located within this state, or the product or service therefrom, or securities issued in connection with the financing of facilities or portions thereof.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a foreign electric utility to sell electricity at wholesale or retail within this state unless:

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

(2) The sale constitutes a sale of capacity and related energy from a specifically identified electric-generating facility within this state or a sale of economy, backup, or other energy therefrom. Nonregulated power producers shall not be subject to this subsection.

History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 215, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 316, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 36, § 25; P.L. 2005, ch. 72, § 25.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 39-20-4

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 39-20-4 cover?

Section 39-20-4 ("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 § 39-20-4?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 39-20-4" (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 § 39-20-4 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.