R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-60-2

The legislature finds and declares that energy in its various forms is essential for the preservation of the safety, health, and welfare of the people of this state. The legislature further finds that events of recent years have demonstrated that abnormal market disruptions, as they relate to energy supplies, could be imminent due to both natural and man-made causes. It is therefore declared that the purpose of this chapter and the policy of this state is to grant to the governor powers to manage abnormal market disruptions as they relate to energy in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state and to preserve their lives and property.