The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recently announced they are directing an audit of Rhode Island Energy’s billing systems. The billing system is one of the final pieces to fully transfer over to RI Energy (PPL) from National Grid after the sale. That transfer has been far from smooth. The billing issue is a consumer protection issue. Especially at a time when people are struggling to keep up with their bills it’s critical that those bills are correct. Additionally, that same billing data is used to do system planning and overall rate setting. I appreciate the PUC taking this on to ensure that these problems that have been identified are corrected.
The review will report directly to the PUC and be supervised by the Commission. This process will evaluate all aspects of the billing system and processes, including Rhode Island Energy’s billing of residential and small commercial customers. The review will take a few months. I plan on following the process closely and will provide updates as I have them. You can read the full announcement and follow along the docket filings here.