Bill > H3533

This bill requires that any proposed increase in electricity rates or charges by an electric company, which includes adjustments to services like basic electricity supply, generation, or transmission, must first be approved by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Before implementing any rate changes, electric companies must provide 30 days' notice to the DPU and the public, clearly stating the proposed adjustments and their effective date. Upon receiving notice of a rate increase, the DPU must hold a public hearing and investigate its appropriateness, with the power to suspend the rate change while the investigation is ongoing. The DPU is expected to make a decision within 90 days of the final hearing, and if they approve an increase, they must periodically review the rates to ensure they remain just, with the possibility of ordering a decrease. The DPU is also mandated to notify the chief executive officers of affected cities and towns and publish public hearing notices in local newspapers, and upon request, will hold hearings within those municipalities, provided the town or city offers suitable accommodations.