Retail Energy Intelligencer | September 2025

Winter rate hikes could return to Rhode Island. Rhode Island Energy is proposing a 16% increase in winter electric rates which would add about $22/month to the average residential bill (beginning October 1). The utility is also asking regulators to end pandemic-era extended debt repayment plans, potentially putting 5,000 households at risk of shutoffs. Furthermore, the halt of the Revolution Wind project is projected to drive up regional power costs by $500 million annually starting in 2028.

Attorney-General rules on junk fees now in effect. On September 2, the Attorney General of Massachusetts’ new regulations  at 940 CMR 38.00: Unfair and Deceptive Fees took effect. The regulation defines unfair and deceptive acts and practices governing: (1) the imposition of fees in connection with marketing, solicitation, and sales; (2) trial offers; (3) contracts with negative option features, defined as provisions “of a contract under which the consumer’s silence or failure to take affirmative action to reject a good or service or to cancel or non-renew an agreement is interpreted by the seller as acceptance or continuing acceptance of the offer”; and (4) misrepresentations of prices. The regulations are applicable to retail suppliers as well as other industries.

Natural Gas Supplier Action Required for Upcoming PAGasSwitch Website Upgrade. On September 23, a redesigned PAGasSwitch.com will launch with improved functionality, according to Staff at the Pennsylvania PUC. Natural gas suppliers are advised of the following:

• Freeze Period: No updates can be made between September 18–September 22. Offers must remain valid during this time and new offers must be posted before September 18 or after September 22.

• Product Migration: All offers on the site at the start of the freeze will automatically transfer to the new site unless removed.
• Post-Launch Review: After the site goes live, NGSs should verify their listings and report any issues.

• Account Re-Activation: All NGSs and NGDCs must re-establish their accounts by contacting Cyndi Page at cypage@pa.gov with name, company, email, and phone number.

Maryland Moves to Update Supplier Regulations.

Final Regulations Issued in the Massachusetts SMART 3.0 Program. On August 28, the Department of Energy Resources filed final regulations for the SMART 3.0 Program. The final version of the regulation can be found here. DOER has also posted the Program Year 2025 Annual Report, which provides information on available capacity, set asides, and incentive rates for the first program year. DOER will begin accepting applications for the first program year on 10/15/25.

In brief:

• On September 5, Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $28 million in funding for 10 energy efficiency and electrification projects through the Empire Building Challenge. These projects are projected to unlock $150 million in private investment and bring global clean energy solutions to New York. The initiatives are designed to eliminate up to 100% of fossil fuel use and lower building operating costs.
• The Pennsylvania PUC issued its 2025 Electric Power Outlook Report on September 12, which found “…PJM is expected to maintain adequate generation capacity through 2033, provided that planned generation and transmission projects are completed in a timely manner.  However, NERC has cautioned that operational risks could emerge during periods of extreme weather as soon as 2026.”
• The New Hampshire Energy Platform Governance Council filed update on responses to its data platform RFPs. Of note the council received and is reviewing: (1) two responsive bids to their RFP “for a ‘Commercial off the Shelf’ solution with customizations for the Platform Hub that will allow utilities, their customers, and third parties to access and share customer energy data”; and (2) six responsive bids to their RFP “to perform comprehensive project management consulting services related to the Platform Hub.”

Legislative Update: 

Several energy bills have been passed by the California legislature and are awaiting action by Gov. Gavin Newsom. These include:

• SB57, sponsored by Sen. Padilla, would permit CPUC to assess the extent to which utility costs associated with new data center loads are shifted to other customers and what opportunities are available to prevent or mitigate such cost shifts.
• AB1167, sponsored by Assembly Members Berman and Addis would prohibit utilities from recording in above-the-line accounts or otherwise recovering from ratepayers any direct or indirect costs of lobbying and advertising.

• AB1026, sponsored by Assembly Member Watson would direct the CPUC to require the investor-owned electric utilities to significantly streamline the interconnection process for distributed generation.

• AB1026, sponsored by Assembly Member Wilson would require the California Energy Commission to adopt a virtual power plant deployment plan as part of its biennial integrated energy policy report.

Commission Comings-and-Goings: 

• Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut announced on September 19 that has received a letter from Chairman Marissa Gillett of PURA, informing him that she will be resigning from her position, effective October 10, 2025. Gillett had been under significant pressure from the state’s utilities, particularly the gas and electric companies owned by Avangrid, who have accused her of anti-utility bias. 
• The Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) Board of Directors has appointed Carolyn Calwell as Chief Executive Officer, following the provincial government’s appointment of Geoff Owens as Chairman of the Board.
• ERCOT in Texas announced its Board Selection Committee has chosen two new members, Christopher A. Krummel of Houston and Kathleen S. McAllister of Austin, to serve on the Board of Directors.