Rhode IslandRhode Island utilities would keep customer service offices in state
The measure would require Rhode Island utilities licensed to serve residents and businesses to keep a staffed office where customers can get help and pay bills.
What it does
Covered public utilities would have to keep a customer service office in Rhode Island, staffed enough to meet the public’s expectations. It would answer questions, meet with customers, and accept bill payments.
Argument forCustomers may find it easier to get help or pay bills because utilities would have a staffed service office in the state.
Argument againstUtilities could face added costs to maintain and staff an in-state office, which may affect the resources available for other services.
More detail
The measure would require covered public utilities to keep a customer service operation inside Rhode Island. This applies to every public utility licensed under chapter 1 of title 39 to serve Rhode Island residents and businesses. The operation must be staffed enough to meet the public’s expectations. It must answer customer questions, meet with customers, accept bill payments, and provide any other services the public utilities commission directs. The act says it takes effect upon passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 2406/24/2026 Effective without Governor's signatureLatest
- Jun 1606/16/2026 Transmitted to GovernorTo Governor
- Jun 806/08/2026 House passed in concurrencePassed House
- Vote recorded IN CONCURRENCE. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 506/05/2026 Placed on the House Consent Calendar (06/08/2026)Minor
- Jun 406/04/2026 Senate read and passedPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 206/02/2026 Placed on Senate Calendar (06/04/2026)Minor
- Jun 206/02/2026 Committee recommends passageMinor
- May 2905/29/2026 Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)
- Apr 704/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further studyMinor
- Apr 304/03/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/07/2026)
- Feb 602/06/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate CommerceIntroduced
Consumer Protection