R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1-30.1: Validation of location of utilities.

The locations for all lines for the transmission or distribution of electric current or for the providing of audio or visual telephonic or telegraphic communication service heretofore acquired or constructed by public utilities as defined under § 39-1-2, upon, along, under, or over the public ways and places of this state, and the locations for poles, piers, abutments, conduits, manholes, vaults, and other fixtures, including those jointly owned, necessary to sustain, protect, or operate the wires and cables of the lines, and actually in place on May 19, 1982, are hereby made lawful notwithstanding any deficiency in the proceedings relative to their location and erection.