SENATE RESOLUTION FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE CREATION AND ADOPTION OF A SEASONAL HEAT PUMP RATE AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

Plain-English Summary

This is a Senate resolution asking a Rhode Island regulatory agency — the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) — to look into creating a special discounted electricity rate for people who use heat pumps to heat and cool their homes. A heat pump is an electric appliance that works like a highly efficient combination heater and air conditioner. The resolution asks the PUC to consider this new rate as part of an ongoing formal review process already underway (called Docket 25-45-GE).

The idea behind the resolution is that a lower electricity rate during certain seasons could make heat pumps more affordable to operate, potentially encouraging more Rhode Islanders to switch away from oil or gas heating and toward electric heating. By making electric heat pumps cheaper to run, supporters of this type of policy argue it could help lower energy bills for households that have already made the investment in a heat pump system.

It's important to understand what this resolution does — and doesn't — do. It does not create a new rate or change anyone's electric bill on its own. It simply formally requests that the PUC *consider* the idea as part of their existing review. The PUC would then decide independently whether to move forward, gather public input, and ultimately approve or reject any new rate structure.

This resolution would most directly affect Rhode Island homeowners and renters who currently own heat pumps or are considering installing one, as well as utility companies that would need to implement any new pricing structure if the PUC ultimately approves one.