I am very disheartened to announce my departure from the Office of Energy Resources. My time in this position has been an amazing experience. It has been an honor getting to work with so many people around the state and making Rhode Island’s energy policies and programs fairer and more accessible to all. Thank you to everyone who have supported me during this position. I am excited to see the amazing work OER continues to do in the future. 

Sincerely,

Greg Ohadoma

Join OER, PosiGen Solar & Energy Efficiency, and the Renewable Energy Fund on October 3 at the Affordable Solar Access Pathways Program: Community Discussion and Networking Event. This event will bring together various local organizations, all of which are dedicated to making solar and energy efficiency affordable and accessible for homeowners in Rhode Island. 

Date: October 3rd, 2024 

Time: 12pm - 2pm 

Location: Sprout CoWorking Providence

166 Valley St Building 6M Suite 103, Providence, RI 02909

Learn more about the ASAP Program and other state programs available to lessen energy burden across the Ocean State. Connect with individuals devoted to supporting a clean energy future and saving money for families. Lunch will be catered from Genesis Center's Culinary Hub of Providence (CHOP). 

Reserve your spot today here. To learn more about the ASAP Program please visit the OER website.

PowerUpRI Rebate Program

OER's PowerUpRI program incentivizes Rhode Island residents and landlords to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within residential properties across the Ocean State. The program's tailored rebates aim to increase the adoption of clean transportation, reduce transportation emissions, and make EV charging more convenient and accessible for Rhode Islanders.

PowerUpRI offers a standard rebate and an income-qualified rebate. Both rebates consider the potential need for electrical upgrades.

Standard Rebate (No Electrical Upgrade):

Up to $350.00, or 50% (whichever is less), of the purchase price of a Level 2 residential EV charger.

Standard Rebate (With Electrical Upgrade):

Up to $700.00, or 50% (whichever is less), of the purchase and installation costs of a Level 2 residential EV charger.

Income-Qualified Rebate (No Electrical Upgrade):

Up to $500.00, or 75% (whichever is less), of the purchase price of a Level 2 residential EV charger.

Income-Qualified Rebate (With Electrical Upgrade):

Up to $1,000.00, or 75% (whichever is less), of the purchase and installation costs of a Level 2 residential EV charger.

The expansion of residential EV charging infrastructure across Rhode Island is a critical component in combating climate change and meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. To learn more about PowerUpRI, click here.

Home Electrification And Appliance Rebates Program

The latest program from OER, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program, supports electrification and the adoption of ENERGY STAR certified appliances for residents in Rhode Island. OER will prioritize start the programming by distributing rebates to low-income households through six Community Action Partnerships (CAPs).

Eligible Rhode Islanders eligible will be able to save up to: 

• $4,000 for electric panel upgrades. 
• $2,500 for electrical wiring. 
• $1,840 for an ENERGY STAR electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven and/or an ENERGY STAR-certified electric heat pump clothes dryer.  

In 2025, this program will also be expanded to moderate-income households earning between 80% to 150% of the area median income. Learn more about OER's Home Energy Rebates here.

Employment & Training Opportunities



American Climate Corps: The American Climate Corps lists job opportunities geared towards tackling the climate crisis and creating a more sustainable and just future.

Employ RI: The Rhode Island Department of Labor Training's job database, Employ RI, provides current job opportunities, training programs, and virtual job fairs.

RI OER - Energy Program Manager: Come work at OER as an Energy Program Manager and help further RI's clean energy future. Applications close on October 1st.

Maine Governor’s Energy Office: The Maine Governor’s Energy Office has announced three new clean energy job opportunities. The position are Clean Energy Finance Program Manager, Program Coordinator - Solar for All, and Program Coordinator for Economic Development. Applications for all three positions close October 4th.

RISE Engineering - Engineering Technician: Work for RISE Engineering in Cranston, Rhode Island, as an Engineering Technician.

RISE Engineering - HVAC/R Technician: Work as a HVAC/R Technician in Cranston, RI, and be eligible for a $2,500 sign on bonus at RISE Engineering. Visit all opportunities at RISE here.

Previously Listed

Farm Fresh Rhode Island AmeriCorps Direct Service: Farm Fresh RI is looking for a full time Food Access Program Director as well as a Harvest Kitchen and Community Education Americorps Member.

Ørsted Offshore Wind Turbine Technician: Work out of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, or Maryland as an offshore wind turbine technician at Ørsted.

Global Wind Organization – Basic Safety Training: The Global Wind Organization's Basic Safety Training supports professional development for the future workforce of Rhode Island's growing offshore wind sector.

Grant Funding Opportunities



Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program: Offered by the Office of Energy Justice and Equity on a rolling basis, the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program supports investments cutting energy costs for low-income communities.

Brownfields Program: The EPA's Brownfields Program provides communities with various grants and technical assistance to clean and repurpose contaminated land. EPA is offering several new grants due November 14. Find them here.

Water Technical Assistance Request Form: As part of Get the Lead Out Initiative, the Water Technical Assistance Request Form, due September 30, provides assistance to communities to improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater.

Previously Listed

Healthy Communities Grant Program for New England: The EPA's main grant for New England, the Healthy Communities Grant Program for New England reduces environmental risks and improves health and quality of life through direct collaboration with communities. Current Request for Applications (RFA) must be completed by November 1.

Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program: Open until November 21, the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program provides funds to reduce pollution, increase resiliency and strengthen disadvantaged communities.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program: The EPA has announced $600 million in funding to 11 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers through the EJ TCGM Program. Subgrants are expected to be available by Fall 2024.

Air Grants & Funding: Administered by the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Air Grants and Funding offers grants and rebates to projects surrounding climate change, air quality, transportation and indoor air.

*Employment, training, and grant funding opportunities are subject to change. Always check the website for updated information.

Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice Hotline: Publicly accessible during traditional business hours, the EJ Hotline supports communities with information that aids in addressing potential environmental and/or public health issues.

Environmental Justice Updates from the White House Council on Environmental Quality: Sign up for Environmental Justice Updates from the White House Council on Environmental Quality to receive the latest on federal funding opportunities. 

Environmental Justice Scorecard: The EJ Scorecard tracks the efforts of federal agencies as they advance environmental justice across communities.

CEQ Summit - White House Summit on Environmental Justice in Action: Watch the first ever White House Environmental Justice Summit in Action discussing environmental justice in policies, practices and operations.

Justice40 Initiative Covered Program List: This document lists all the federal agencies and programs that comply with the Justice40 Initiative.

EnvironmentalJustice.gov: The EJ.gov website has all things environmental justice related including tools, resources, and funding opportunities.

Environmental Justice Clearinghouse: An online database, EJ Clearinghouse provides numerous resources related to environmental justice.

Guides

Guide to Finding Federal Assistance and Resources for Environmental Justice Efforts: From the EPA, this guide provides resources, tools, and training to better help communities address their environmental justice needs. It also serves as a source with tips on searching for funding opportunities.

Creating the Healthiest Nation: Environmental Justice for All: Created by the American Public Health Association, this factsheet analyzes the connection between health and environmental justice.

Technical Assistance Guide: The Technical Assistance Guide from the White House aims to help disadvantaged communities apply to federal funding.

Climate Capital Guidebook: The Climate Capital Guidebook is a resource for climate-related businesses and their investors with a guide on federal capital programs across the country.

Maps

EPA EJScreen 2.3: Newly updated, the EJScreen 2.3 blends environmental and demographic socioeconomic indicators and visualizes them. This update includes a redesigned and enhanced report, a new environmental indicator with accompanying indexes, and renewed data.

DOE Interactive Map: This interactive map from the DOE creates a visual highlighting areas around the country where clean energy investments are taking place.

National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network: This database consists of health, exposure, and hazard information. It creates maps, tables, and charts covering topics such as chemicals and substances found in the environment, chronic diseases and conditions, and the area where you live.

OER Dashboards

Clean Heat RI Dashboard: Updated monthly, the Clean Heat RI Dashboard displays the rebate program database of information gathered since its launch.

DRIVE EV Dashboard: This dashboard depicts statistics for the DRIVE EV Rebate Project covering the vehicle type and the rebate used.

*Events are subject to change. Always check the event website for updated times, dates and location details before you attend.

Would you like to add your job and training, funding opportunity, or energy-related event to our newsletter? Send the details or event URL to Natalie.Bishop.CTR@energy.ri.gov.

Missed the last Climate Justice Newsletter? See it here.

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