Rhode Island General Laws Title 39. Public Utilities and Carriers § 39-31-2. Purpose

(1) Secure the future of the Rhode Island and New England economies, and their shared environment, by making coordinated, cost-effective, strategic investments in energy resources and infrastructure such that the New England states improve energy system reliability and security; enhance economic competitiveness by reducing energy costs to attract new investment and job growth opportunities; and protect the quality of life and environment for all residents and businesses;

(2) Utilize coordinated competitive processes, in collaboration with other New England states and their instrumentalities, to advance strategic investment in energy infrastructure and energy resources, provided that the total energy security, reliability, environmental, and economic benefits to the state of Rhode Island and its ratepayers exceed the costs of the projects, and ensure that the benefits and costs of the energy infrastructure investments are shared appropriately among the New England States; and

(3) Encourage a multistate or regional approach to energy policy that advances the objectives of achieving a reliable, clean-energy future that is consistent with meeting regional greenhouse gas reduction goals at reasonable cost to ratepayers.