Rhode Island AG Fought Sale of Electric and Gas Utility, Citing Climate Concerns

JANUARY 18, 2022

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha filed a brief asking the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers not to approve PPL Corporation’s proposed acquisition of the Narragansett Electric Company, an electric and gas utility. The AG argued that the deal was not consistent with the public interest, citing concerns about reliability and costs. The AG faulted PPL’s application as lacking information on how the project would support decarbonization goals in line with Rhode Island’s Act on Climate, which sets mandatory and enforceable emissions reductions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

On February 24, 2022, AG Neronha filed a complaint for judicial review and a motion to stay the approval of the sale of Narragansett Electric, an electric and gas utility, to PPL Corporation, which is based in Pennsylvania. In the filings, AG Neronha argues that the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers failed to address a series of concerns before approving the sale, including whether PPL Corp. will be able to maintain high-quality service without increasing rates, and whether or not the company will be able to meet Rhode Island’s climate goals. The AG urged the Rhode Island Superior Court to suspend the transaction and conduct a full review of the sale.

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