Excludes nuclear power from the office of energy resources and division of public utilities from participation, procuring and entering into long-term contracts.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change Rhode Island's existing Affordable Clean Energy Security Act by specifically preventing the state's Office of Energy Resources and the Division of Public Utilities from including nuclear power in their energy planning activities. In practical terms, state agencies would be prohibited from participating in, purchasing, or signing long-term contracts for nuclear energy on behalf of Rhode Island residents and ratepayers.

Currently, the Affordable Clean Energy Security Act gives these state offices the ability to procure various energy sources and enter into long-term contracts to help secure affordable and clean electricity for Rhode Islanders. This bill would draw a clear line excluding nuclear power from those options, meaning state officials could not use these particular tools or agencies to bring nuclear energy into Rhode Island's electricity supply.

This bill would primarily affect state energy officials, utility regulators, and ultimately Rhode Island electricity customers. If passed, it would limit the state's flexibility in how it plans and secures future energy supplies, specifically closing off nuclear as a pathway through these agencies. Supporters of nuclear energy as a low-carbon power source and those concerned about future energy costs or reliability could be affected by this restriction, as could the broader energy market in the region.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.