§ 39-1-37.1. Ratepayers advisory board.
(a) There is hereby established the ratepayers advisory board. The advisory board shall
consist of the following public members:
(1) Four (4) members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of
whom shall represent the interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent
the interests of the elderly and disabled; one of whom shall represent a community-based
consumer organization representing low-income individuals; and one of whom shall represent
a LIHEAP consumer.
(2) Four (4) members appointed by the senate president, one of whom shall represent the
interests of residential ratepayers; one of whom shall represent a chamber of commerce;
one of whom shall represent a nonprofit energy consortium of businesses; and one of
whom shall represent a community action agency LIHEAP program provider.
(3) Three (3) members appointed by the governor, one of whom shall represent the LIHEAP
program administration; one of whom shall represent the interests of small business
owners; and one of whom shall represent the interests of residents of affordable housing.
(b) The appointments to the advisory board shall be made as follows: each appointing authority
shall appoint one member to serve a term of one year, one member to serve a term of
two (2) years, and one member to serve a term of three (3) years. Thereafter, each
member appointed to the advisory board shall serve a three-year (3) term. The board
members are eligible to succeed themselves. A vacancy, other than by expiration of
a term, shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment, but only for the
unexpired portion of the term.
(c) Five (5) members shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of the board shall be
required for all recommendations, advice, and approvals of the board, in accordance
with this section.
(d) A board member shall not receive compensation for his or her service on the board
but may receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses, while engaged
in the performance of official duties of the board.
(e) The board shall elect annually a chairperson and vice chairperson from among its membership.
(f) The board shall receive staff and administrative support from the division, to organize
meetings and take and distribute minutes. The division shall also furnish the advisory
board a suitable location to hold its meetings.
(g) The board shall meet at least quarterly and at the call of the chairperson or four
(4) board members. The administrator shall be present for all board meetings to inform
the board of the actions of the division and to respond to the board's inquiries.
(h) The board shall review legislative proposals and comment on existing state laws relating
to residential ratepayers.
(i) The board shall advise the administrator on matters concerning residential ratepayers
including, but not limited to utility shutoff policies, rate affordability, conservation
measures, consumer education, smart meters and/or restricted use meters, customer
service charges, legislation pending before the general assembly, and legislative
initiatives.
(j) The advisory board shall issue an annual report of findings, including recommendations
on current or proposed state programs, policies, regulations, and laws, to the governor
and the general assembly.
(k) The board shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 2 of title 38, access to public records act, and chapter 46 of title 42, open meetings act.