Governor advocates for Rhode Islanders in utility sale dispute against DPUC hearing officer

In a recent meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance, a significant discussion unfolded regarding the relationship between the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) and the Attorney General's office in Rhode Island. The atmosphere was charged as the Attorney General recounted his experiences since taking office, particularly focusing on the complexities of managing legal representation for the state’s interests in utility matters.

The Attorney General revealed that when he assumed his role, there were two attorney positions funded by the DPUC, which he believed were not aligned with the best interests of Rhode Islanders. He expressed surprise at the DPUC's assumption that they had the authority to choose these attorneys, emphasizing that they were, in fact, special assistant attorneys general tasked with serving the state’s needs. This misunderstanding highlighted a deeper issue: the potential for conflicting interests between the DPUC and the Attorney General's office.

A pivotal moment in the discussion centered on the sale of National Grid's business to PPL, now known as Rhode Island Energy. The Attorney General criticized the DPUC's handling of the sale, particularly the legal standards applied by the DPUC's hearing officer, which he deemed inadequate. He recounted how his office appealed the hearing officer's decision to the Superior Court, ultimately leading to a more favorable outcome for Rhode Islanders, including $50 to $60 million in gas and electric credits and the removal of $100 million in unjustified charges.

The Attorney General's narrative underscored a troubling scenario where a state agency, the DPUC, opposed his office in court while he fought for a better deal for the public. This conflict raised questions about the effectiveness of the DPUC in advocating for the interests of Rhode Islanders and the need for clearer lines of accountability and collaboration between state agencies.

As the meeting concluded, the implications of these discussions lingered in the air. The Attorney General's experiences serve as a reminder of the complexities within state governance and the critical importance of ensuring that all agencies work cohesively to serve the public's best interests. The future of Rhode Island's utility management may depend on addressing these challenges head-on, fostering a more unified approach to advocacy and legal representation.