RI Attorney General Tries To Block Sale Of Narragansett Electric

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's Attorney General is trying to block the sale of the state's gas and electric service to a Pennsylvania-based company. Peter Neronha's motion came after the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers approved the transfer of Narragansett Electric to PPL.

"This proposed transaction would have enormous consequences for all Rhode Islanders, and we will continue to advocate to ensure an electric and gas utility that is in the best interests of Rhode Islanders and that complies with Rhode Island law," Neronha said.

The AG said the company "does not sufficiently provide assurances that the sale is in the best interests of Rhode Islanders." This includes quality of service, rates, effective storm response, sufficient IT services and whether the company can meet the green energy guidelines laid out in the Act on Climate.

"I am not alone in raising these issues — the DPUC’s own attorneys and experts expressed serious unresolved concerns about this transaction during the hearing before the DPUC," Neronha continued. "It is critical that transacting parties provide assurances that the sale will be consistent with the public interest, will not result in a degradation of services and rate increases for Rhode Islanders, and will meet requirements under the Act on Climate."

National Grid announced the sale last March. The company provides utility service to about 780,000 Rhode Islanders. At the time, the company said that the two companies "share a purpose-driven culture and core values, which will enable a seamless transition for colleagues, customers, and communities."

"Like Narragansett Electric, PPL is committed to providing safe and reliable service for customers, and PPL is consistently ranked among the best utilities in the regions in which it serves," the company said.