Order 25588 - Smithfield RI NCA Solar LLC: Appl. for Cert. as Eligible Renewable Energy Resource (NEW)

            On August 19, 2025, Smithfield RI NCA Solar LLC[1] (Company) filed with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) an application seeking certification for its Smithfield RI NCA Solar LLC SFZ-6 Generation Unit, a 1.494 MW AC (1.905 MW DC) solar energy Generation Unit located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, as an eligible New Renewable Energy Resource in accordance with the PUC’s Rules and Regulations Governing the Implementation of a Renewable Energy Standard (Rules) and R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-26-1.

            The application included a request, to the extent required by the Commission, that Power Factors be approved as an independent verifier for verifying and reporting appropriate billing records from the Company’s Generation Unit to the NEPOOL Generation Information System (GIS)^[2]. Amelie Camion is the contact person assigned by Power Factors. The Company shall notify the PUC if Amelie Camion is replaced by another Power Factors representative. If Power Factors ceases to be retained as the independent verifier, the Company will need to either choose a new previously qualified independent verifier or seek approval of a new independent verifier.

The Company provided supplemental and clarifying information to the PUC from August 25, 2025, through December 18, 2025, regarding the Owner of the Generation Unit, the Appendix B, and the Appendix D.

            After examination, the PUC is of the opinion that the application is proper, reasonable, and in compliance with the Rules and hereby grants the Company certification as an eligible renewable energy resource pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-26-1[3]. The PUC’s determination in this docket is based on the information submitted by the Company and the PUC may reverse its ruling or revoke the Company’s certification if any material information provided by the Company proves to be false or misleading.

Accordingly, it is hereby

1)      The Smithfield RI NCA Solar LLC SFZ-6 Generation Unit meets the requirements for eligibility as a New, Solar Renewable Energy Resource with its 1.494 MW AC (1.905 MW DC), Remote Customer-Sited Generation Unit having a Commercial Operation Date not yet achieved[4] and located within the NEPOOL control area in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

2)      Amelie Camion of Power Factors meets the requirements for approval as a Rhode Island Independent Verifier for the Company’s Generation Unit.

3)      Eligibility is granted subject to the Company providing the PUC with written documentation verifying Commercial Operation Date and assignment of the Generation Unit’s NEPOOL GIS Asset Identification Number designation by NEPOOL following achievement of Commercial Operation.  Then, PUC staff is hereby authorized to assign a unique Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission Eligible Renewable Energy Resource Facility Certification Number for the Company’s Generation Unit.

4)      The facility’s Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) become Rhode Island-eligible effective on the day when the Rhode Island certification number is issued.  All RECs associated with the production of eligible energy that are minted on or after the Effective Date are eligible for the Renewable Energy Standard.

5)      Although the PUC will rely upon the NEPOOL GIS for verification of production of energy from the Company’s Generation Unit certified as eligible in this Order, the Company will provide information and access as necessary to the PUC, or persons acting on its behalf, to conduct audits or site visits to assist in verification of continued eligibility for and compliance with Rhode Island Renewable Energy Standard Certification at any time, at the PUC’s discretion.

6)      The Company shall notify the PUC in the event of a change in the facility’s eligibility status.

EFFECTIVE AT WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND ON JANUARY 20, 2026 PURSUANT TO AN OPEN MEETING DECISION.  WRITTEN ORDER ISSUED FEBRUARY 4, 2026.