Rhode Island § 39-31-2 - Affordable Clean Energy Security Act

§ 39-31-2. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to:

(1) Secure the future of the Rhode Island and New England economies, and their shared environment, by making state and/or coordinated, cost-effective, strategic investments in energy resources and infrastructure such that the New England states improve energy system reliability and security; enhance economic competitiveness by reducing energy costs to attract new investment and job growth opportunities; and protect the quality of life and environment for all residents and businesses;

(2) Utilize state and/or coordinated competitive processes, in collaboration with other New England states and their instrumentalities, to advance strategic investment in energy infrastructure and energy resources, provided that the total energy security, reliability, environmental, and economic benefits to the state of Rhode Island and its ratepayers exceed the costs of the projects, and ensure that the benefits and costs of the energy infrastructure investments are shared appropriately among the New England States; and

(3) Encourage an approach to energy policy that advances the objectives of achieving a reliable, clean-energy future that is consistent with meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals as established by chapter 6.2 of title 42 (the “2021 act on climate”) at reasonable cost to ratepayers.