Leader Chippendale: Introduces Bills Aimed at Addressing the State's Rising Energy Costs (31926)
On March 19, 2026, the Rhode Island House Committee on Corporations met to discuss a package of bills introduced by House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale (R District 40 - Coventry, Foster, Glocester) aimed at addressing the state's rising electricity costs.
Rep. Chippendale introduced three bills (2026-H 7176, 2026-H 7177, and 2026-H 7174) proposing rollbacks or modifications to state-mandated green energy programs, such as the Renewable Energy Growth Program and net metering. He argued that these mandates and surcharges function as hidden taxes that disproportionately burden middle- and lower-income ratepayers.
The hearing features debate and questions from committee members representing diverse perspectives on how to balance ambitious climate goals with economic realities and consumer affordability.
House Bill No. 7176
BY Chippendale, Newberry, Nardone, Place, Santucci, Brien, Quattrocchi, Hopkins, Fascia
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THE RENEWABLE ENERGY GROWTH PROGRAM (Repeals the renewable energy growth program.) {LC3575/1}
» http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7176.pdf
House Bill No. 7177
BY Chippendale, Brien, Newberry, Nardone, Place, Santucci, Quattrocchi, Hopkins, Fascia
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- MORATORIUM ON NET METERING, LONG-TERM CONTRACTS AND SUBSIDIES FOR HEAT PUMPS (Places a moratorium on net metering contracts, subsidies for heat pumps and long-term contracts for the purchasing of solar or wind energy.) {LC3582/1}
» http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7177.pdf
House Bill No. 7174
BY Paplauskas, Fascia, Hopkins, Santucci, Place, Roberts, Newberry, Brien, Quattrocchi, Nardone
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS (Repeals the energy efficiency charge.) {LC3600/1}
» http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText26/HouseText26/H7174.pdf
House Minority Leader Michael W. Chippendale
» https://www.rihousegop.org/leaderchippendale.html
Rhode Island House Republicans
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