TITLE 39

Public Utilities and Carriers

CHAPTER 39-31

Affordable Clean Energy Security Act

SECTION 39-31-1



   § 39-31-1  Legislative findings. –

The general assembly finds and declares:



   (1) The state and New England face significant short and

long-term energy system challenges that may undermine the reliable operation of

the bulk electric system and spur unsustainable levels of price volatility, and

that these challenges may have a substantial impact on energy affordability for

ratepayers and undermine the economic competitiveness of our state by serving

as a detriment to capital investment and job growth; and



   (2) Planned retirements of fossil-fuel, nuclear, and other

electric generators, along with lack of new interstate natural gas pipeline

infrastructure and capacity into the region, may exacerbate these conditions;

and



   (3) Rhode Island benefits from a holistic energy strategy

that pursues both local investment in clean energy resources, such as energy

efficiency and renewable distributed generation, and regional investment in

energy infrastructure projects that strengthen system reliability and diversify

our supply portfolio. The combination of these strategies advance our economic

development interests and environmental quality; and



   (4) Rhode Island is committed to the increased use of no-and

low-carbon energy resources that diversify our energy supply portfolio, provide

affordable energy to consumers, and strengthen our shared quality of life and

environment, and new energy infrastructure investments may help facilitate the

development and interconnection of such resources; and



   (5) Rhode Island is part of an integrated, regional energy

system and addressing these challenges, while meeting state policy goals,

requires a coordinated, multi-state approach built upon collaboration and

utilizing appropriate expertise and stakeholder processes of regional entities

including, but not limited to, the New England State's Committee on

Electricity, ISO-New England, Inc. and The New England Power Pool that takes

into account affordability, energy security, reliability, fuel diversity, and

environmental sustainability.



History of Section.

(P.L. 2014, ch. 424, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 477, § 1.)