Creates an intervenor compensation program to provide compensation in the form of grants for legal fees, expert witness fees, and other reasonable costs to an intervenor in both, energy siting board and public utilities commission proceedings.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would create a financial assistance program in Rhode Island to help everyday people and community groups participate in important government hearings about energy and utility issues. Right now, when a utility company (like an electric or gas provider) wants to raise rates, build a new facility, or make other major changes, they go through official proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission or the Energy Siting Board. These proceedings can be highly technical and expensive to participate in, often requiring lawyers and expert witnesses — resources that average citizens and small organizations typically cannot afford.

The program established by this bill, called the "Equitable Participation in Utility Regulation Act," would provide grants to cover legal fees, expert witness costs, and other reasonable expenses for "intervenors" — meaning individuals, nonprofits, or community groups who formally join these proceedings to represent a public interest that might otherwise go unheard. To qualify, participants would likely need to demonstrate that their involvement genuinely benefits the public and that the financial burden would otherwise prevent them from taking part.

The people most directly affected would be Rhode Island residents, advocacy organizations, and community groups who want a voice in decisions about energy infrastructure and utility rates but currently lack the financial means to participate effectively. Utility companies and the agencies running these proceedings would also be impacted, as they may need to fund or administer the grant program. The bill is currently in its early stages, having been introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.