Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
1. What Title 815 Is
Title 815 of the Rhode Island Code of Regulations contains the official administrative rules issued by the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC).
These regulations explain how public utility and transportation laws are carried out in practice. While Rhode Island statutes (laws passed by the General Assembly) say what must be done, Title 815 explains how it is done.
2. What the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers Does
The Division’s role is to regulate and oversee services that are essential to the public, making sure they are:
Safe
Reliable
Fairly priced
Non-discriminatory
Operated according to state law
The Division also protects consumers while ensuring regulated companies can operate sustainably.
3. Types of Entities Regulated Under Title 815
Title 815 applies to many kinds of utilities and carriers, including:
A. Public Utilities
Electric companies
Natural gas companies
Water utilities
Steam or thermal energy providers
B. Transportation and Carriers
Motor carriers (trucking companies)
Passenger carriers (buses, shuttles, taxis in some contexts)
Household goods movers
Certain pipeline or transport services
4. Main Subject Areas Covered by Title 815
A. Licensing and Certification
Title 815 explains:
When a company must obtain a certificate, permit, or license
Application requirements
Conditions for approval or denial
Renewal and revocation rules
This ensures only qualified and compliant companies provide regulated services.
B. Rates, Charges, and Tariffs
The regulations govern:
How utility rates are proposed
What costs may be included
Rate change procedures
Filing and approval of tariffs (official price schedules)
The goal is to prevent unreasonable or unfair pricing.
C. Service Standards and Quality
Utilities and carriers must meet minimum standards for:
Reliability
Safety
Maintenance
Customer service
Response to outages or service interruptions
Failure to meet these standards can lead to penalties.
D. Consumer Rights and Protections
Title 815 includes rules on:
Billing practices
Dispute resolution
Termination or disconnection of service
Required notices to customers
Protections for vulnerable customers (such as during extreme weather)
These rules ensure customers are treated fairly.
E. Safety and Compliance Requirements
Regulated entities must:
Follow safety protocols
Keep records and reports
Allow inspections
Report accidents or violations
This applies especially to transportation carriers and energy utilities.
F. Enforcement and Penalties
Title 815 authorizes the Division to:
Investigate violations
Issue compliance orders
Impose fines or penalties
Suspend or revoke operating authority
Enforcement ensures the regulations have real consequences.
5. Relationship to Other Agencies
While the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers writes and enforces Title 815 rules:
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) often makes final decisions on rates and major policy issues
Courts may review decisions if appealed
Federal regulations may apply alongside state rules (especially in transportation and energy)
Title 815 works within this broader regulatory system.
6. Who Must Follow Title 815
Title 815 applies to:
Regulated companies and carriers
Applicants seeking authority to operate
Sometimes customers, when filing complaints or participating in proceedings
It does not generally regulate private individuals unless they are operating regulated services.
7. Why Title 815 Matters
Title 815 is important because it:
Keeps essential services reliable and safe
Balances company needs with public protection
Provides clear procedures and accountability
Gives consumers enforceable rights
Ensures consistent application of state utility law
8. In Simple Terms
Title 815 is the rulebook that explains how Rhode Island controls utilities and carriers so the public gets safe, fair, and reliable services.
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