As it stands currently, the Internet is a utility available for purchase from various private providers including AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast. A growing movement to make Internet access a public utility is taking shape, though. Below, we discuss this movement and utility law. The Net Neutrality Debate The idea of “net neutrality,” the term for Internet service providers (ISPs) treating…
There are various programs available to electricity consumers in Rhode Island that provide incentives and cost savings. These programs have value to people and businesses who otherwise would not have access to renewable energy because of property constraints. As an energy lawyer, I am familiar with the state-created opportunities for both small-scale and larger solar programs and the assistance to…
The firm has been blogging frequently about renewable energy statutes and regulations lately. This is because renewable energy is a fast-moving and cutting edge area of law. Solar panel laws are no exception. Solar farm projects are popping up in the more rural areas of the state. Rural areas generally have more square footage, which is required for a solar…
By now, you may have heard of an area of power production known as renewable energy law. This area of law covers both state and federal legislation meant to require a minimum amount of power generation from sources other than fossil fuels. This article will cover a few of these statutes enacted in Rhode Island recently. Renewable Energy Standard In…
FERC What is FERC? We are talking about government in this post, so FERC is an acronym for a federal government entity known as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”). This entity was formed in 1977 to protect the interests of public and energy customers in the United States. FERC is an independent agency and falls under the…
Renewable energy resources and projects are a very hot topic in Rhode Island. Between solar farms and offshore wind farms, stakeholders face a daunting review process. A public utility law project is one that requires approvals and regulatory compliance at both the state and municipal level, and sometimes federal too. When an activity is designated by the state legislature for…
The regulation of utilities in Rhode Island is the responsibility of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (“RIPUC”). That commission is a creature of statute. As an attorney, practicing before the commission is different than appearing in state court. Public utility law follows various enabling acts and observance of a variation on the state’s rules of evidence and civil procedure.…
The details of services provided by a utility lawyer are less well understood than the details of the legal profession in general. Utilities law is an area of practice that encompasses regulation of public utilities: suppliers of electricity, telecommunications services, natural gas, water and sewer services, cable television, motor carriers, and ferry services. The regulations covering these services are implemented…
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is made up of two different bodies that work together to meet the directives contained in its enabling legislation. The PUC serves as a quasi-judicial tribunal with jurisdiction, powers, and duties to implement and enforce statutory standards of conduct. Under RIGL §39-1-1, the Public Utilities Commission is mandated to: “supervise, regulate, and make orders governing…
Market volatility, savings incentives, increasing costs for energy, and advanced regulatory compliance can be daunting and confusing for property owners who might otherwise pursue construction of or partnership on a solar energy facility. At the State level, solar projects are currently incentivized and can significantly reduce an electric bill. For parties interested in purchasing “credits” associated with a solar facility,…
