R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-26.2-2: Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to facilitate and promote installation of grid-connected generation of renewable energy; support and encourage development of distributed renewable energy generation systems; reduce environmental impacts; reduce carbon emissions that contribute to climate change by encouraging the local siting of renewable energy projects; diversify the state’s energy generation sources; stimulate economic development; improve distribution system resilience and reliability; and reduce distribution system costs.