Provides amendments to procedures necessary for approval of transactions between utilities by giving the public utilities commission jurisdiction; mandates public hearings, allows intervention by any interested party and provides for appeal.

Plain-English Summary

This bill changes the rules for how Rhode Island oversees deals and transactions between utility companies — such as mergers, acquisitions, or other major business arrangements. Currently, the state's Division of Public Utilities and Carriers handles oversight of these transactions, but this bill would shift that authority to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), a separate regulatory body. The goal is to give a different oversight body jurisdiction over these significant business decisions that affect how utilities operate in the state.

One of the key changes this bill makes is requiring that public hearings be held before any such transaction between utilities can be approved. This means that before two utility companies can complete a major deal, there must be an open, formal process where the matter is examined and discussed — not just decided behind closed doors. The bill also allows any "interested party" — which could include individual customers, community groups, businesses, or local governments — to formally participate in that process by intervening, meaning they can present their views or concerns as part of the review.

Finally, the bill provides a pathway for appeal, so that if someone disagrees with the PUC's decision on a transaction, they have a legal right to challenge it. Overall, this bill affects utility companies operating in Rhode Island as well as the customers and communities they serve, by creating a more transparent and open process for reviewing major utility business deals. It is currently scheduled for a hearing before the House Corporations Committee.