R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-1-7: Powers of commission — Seal.

(a) The commission shall have the powers of a court of record in the determination and adjudication of all matters over which it is given jurisdiction. It may make orders and render judgments and enforce the same by any suitable process issuable by the superior court. The commission shall have an official seal, which shall have engraved thereon the words: “State of Rhode Island. Public Utilities Commission Seal.”

(b) The commission shall have the power to do a complete audit of the books of all public utilities doing business in this state. The audit shall consider the cost of energy acquisition and all other aspects that the commission deems necessary.