PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Citing testimony from state lawmakers, the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) voted not to endorse Rhode Island Energy's 2026 plan, forcing the state's largest utility provider to go back to the drawing board.

The utility company's plan included cuts to administrative and marketing costs, but dozens of state lawmakers, including House Speaker Joe Shekarchi, were concerned by the inclusion of cuts to energy efficiency programs.

"We shouldn't sacrifice our long-term goals, which is to ultimately bring all of our utility costs down to a more affordable level," said Shekarchi in an interview with 12 News. "And I don't think we should do that for the sake of any one year."

During Thursday's EEC meeting, Rhode Island Energy representatives said the company suggested its

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