Sen. Tikoian introduces bill to cut electricity costs by permitting public utilities to purchase clean nuclear power from other states

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. David P. Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence) has introduced legislation that would allow public utilities to purchase clean, safe nuclear power, at a competitive cost from out of state facilities.

The bill (2025-S 0318) would permit a public utility company which provides electric and gas distribution to participate in programs which have the capacity to deliver reliable transmission of nuclear power. It would allow the utility to procure nuclear power and enter into long-term contracts for nuclear power.

“Electric bills have skyrocketed at a time when inflation has doubled families’ grocery bills,” said Senator Tikoian. “It’s time to find more creative ways to bring those costs down, and allowing these companies to purchase clean, safe nuclear power will ultimately help consumers save money on their electric bills.”

While the legislation would not authorize the construction of a nuclear facility in Rhode Island, it would allow public utilities the option of purchasing nuclear-powered electricity from facilities in other states, such as Connecticut and New Hampshire.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce. Similar legislation (2025-H 5575) has been introduced in the House by Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick).                                                        

President Trump met with U.S. oil executives at the White House today to discuss Venezuela's oil infrastructure. Trump said Venezuela has been working with the U.S., and a decision will be made soon on which oil companies will take part in the project. The meeting comes after the U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.        The White House is touting cellphone footage showing the perspective of the ICE agent involved in a shooting in Minneapolis. In a post, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says the video is evidence that, "The media smeared an ICE Agent who properly defended himself from being run over by organized leftist protesters." The video was originally posted by "Alpha News," and it appears to show Renee Good behind the wheel, and her wife outside the SUV, getting into a verbal confrontation with ICE agents.        President Trump isn't backing down from his position on Greenland. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, "We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not." Trump added that he would like to make a deal, but is ready to "do it the hard way" if necessary. The President said something with Greenland must be done before Russia or China move in.        Police have not arrested a suspect in the shooting outside of an LDS church in Salt Lake City that killed two people. Police say there was an argument that apparently spilled outside when people left a funeral service on Wednesday night. In addition to the two deaths, six others were injured. Investigators believe the argument in the meetinghouse led to the shooting. Officials also say many of the witnesses are not cooperating.        President Trump is threatening land strikes in Mexico. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News last night, Trump said, "We've knocked out 97-percent of the drugs coming in by water and we are now going to start hitting land with regard to the cartels." He then went on to say, "The cartels are running Mexico, it's very sad to watch and see what's happened to that country." He did not provide any other details. This comes as Trump has threatened to take action in Mexico, Cuba, Greenland and Colombia following last week's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.        The College Football Playoff is back underway tonight in Atlanta. Number five Oregon is taking on number one Indiana in the Peach Bowl. The winner will take on number ten Miami in the National Championship in Miami Gardens on January 19th.