Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 30 - Electric Utilities
Subchapter 05 - Non-regulated Power Producers
Part 1 - Rules Applicable to Nonregulated Power Producers (815-RICR-30-05-1)
Section 815-RICR-30-05-1.1 - Authority

A. Nonregulated Power Producers ("NPPs") have been permitted to sell to or aggregate electricity for eligible Rhode Island customers since July 1, 1997. As defined by the Utility Restructuring Act of 1996 ("URA"), R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1-27.1, NPP means a company engaging in the business of producing, manufacturing, generating, buying, aggregating, marketing or brokering electricity for sale at wholesale or for retail sale to the public. Companies which negotiate the purchase of electric generation services on behalf of customers and do not engage in the purchase and resale of electric generation services are not NPPs within the meaning of the URA. The Division of Public Utilities and Carriers ("Division") has been authorized by R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-1-3(b) and 39-1-27.1(c) and (d) to exercise certain regulatory authority over NPPs. These regulations are adopted pursuant to that authority.

B. In addition to this Part and Part 2 of this Subchapter, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission ("Commission") has also promulgated rules governing the regulation of NPPs. The Commission's Rules are entitled: "Reliability Responsibility Regulations For Nonregulated Power Producers" and "Consumer Protection Requirements for Nonregulated Power Producers". Interested persons should examine all NPP-related rules for a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory requirements attached to NPPs doing business in Rhode Island.