Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-60-4. Information collection

In order to determine whether or not abnormal market disruptions, as they relate to energy, exist or are impending, there is created the governor's technical assistance committee, which shall convene at the call of the governor, and shall meet at least semi-annually. The committee shall consist of nine (9) members: a representative of the governor's office, appointed by the governor who shall serve as chairperson; the attorney general or his or her designee; the director of the department of business regulations or his or her designee; a representative of the governor's energy office; the executive director of the Rhode Island oil heat institute or his or her designee; the executive director of the Rhode Island petroleum association or his or her designee; a representative of the public utilities commission to be appointed by the director; a representative of the propane retailers organization; and a representative of the American Automobile Association of South Central New England to be appointed by governing bodies of the organization and association. The committee is authorized and empowered to conduct investigations, studies, and surveys and to collect data on energy supplies, prices, demand, and consumption. In conducting investigations, studies, and surveys, the committee, on behalf of the governor, is authorized and empowered to compel by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, records, and documents of individuals, firms, associations, and corporations. All officers, boards, commissions, and departments of the state, and the political subdivisions of the state, having information with respect to energy supplies, prices, demand and consumption, shall cooperate with and assist the committee in conducting investigations, studies, and surveys.