Places a moratorium on net metering contracts, subsidies for heat pumps and long-term contracts for the purchasing of solar or wind energy.

Rhode Island Senate Bill: Moratorium on Certain Clean Energy Programs

This bill would temporarily pause three specific clean energy programs in Rhode Island: net metering contracts, subsidies for heat pumps, and long-term government contracts for purchasing solar or wind energy. A moratorium means these programs would be put on hold — no new agreements or benefits could be approved during that pause period. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee for review.

Net metering allows homeowners and businesses with solar panels to send unused electricity back to the grid and receive credits on their utility bills. Under this bill, new customers would not be able to sign up for that arrangement. Heat pump subsidies currently help residents afford the upfront cost of installing heat pumps, which are used for heating and cooling homes. Those financial incentives would be frozen as well. Additionally, the state would be prohibited from entering into new long-term contracts to buy electricity generated from solar or wind sources.

This bill would affect a wide range of people. Homeowners considering installing solar panels would lose access to net metering credits. Residents looking to upgrade to a heat pump and use available rebates or subsidies would no longer have that financial help. Energy companies and developers involved in renewable energy projects with the state could also see new business opportunities affected.

It is worth noting that a moratorium is not a permanent repeal — it is a temporary stop. The bill does not explain how long the pause would last or what conditions would need to be met before these programs could resume. The bill is currently in early stages and has not yet been voted on.