R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-26.6-14: Existing powers of agencies and advocacy rights of parties unchanged.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to derogate from the statutory authority of the commission or the division of public utilities and carriers, including, but not limited to, the authority to protect ratepayers from unreasonable rates. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to preclude any party from advocating a position in commission proceedings that differs from the recommendations made by the board to the commission or in any filing with the commission relating to this chapter, including, without limitation: (1) Individual or organizational members of the board; (2) Participants in board deliberations; (3) The office; and (4) The electric distribution company, unless the party has consented by vote to the execution or executed a settlement agreement agreeing to the terms, policy proposals, or any other matter proposed to the commission.