R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-3-7.1
The use of "master-meters," so-called, in apartment or tenement houses containing more than ten (10) apartments or dwelling units is hereby prohibited; provided, however, that this section shall only apply to apartment houses, construction of which is commenced after July 1, 1977. Each apartment or dwelling unit shall have a measuring device or meter for the purpose of measuring the electricity used only by that apartment. The commission shall promulgate all necessary rules and regulations to carry out the purposes and provisions of this section; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to the multifamily dwellings constructed for the exclusive use of persons who are elderly and/or disabled through public financing, whenever the organization sponsoring the construction shall elect to use a single meter for all, or designated portions, of the housing.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-3-7.1