The RI Office of Energy Resources Watt's Up Rhode Island newsletter celebrates inspiring stories of people in the Ocean State who are leading the way by adopting clean energy.

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Contact us at energy.media@energy.ri.gov.

Governor McKee Visits Hattoy’s Nursery & Garden Center to Highlight Agricultural Energy Grant Success  

In August, Governor McKee, Acting OER Commissioner Chris Kearns and RI DEM Director Terry Grey joined Ethan Hattoy and his family on an insightful, sunny tour of Hattoy’s Nursery and Garden Center in Coventry.  

In 2023, Hattoy’s received an Agricultural Energy Grant, which allowed the farm to install a 13.53 kW solar system on the roof of its retail building, offsetting 100% of its annual energy costs. 

State officials had the opportunity to see firsthand how the clean energy system has transformed the business's operations by providing renewable energy and reducing its environmental footprint.  

For more information on the Agricultural Energy Grant Program, please visit: https://energy.ri.gov/energy-efficiency/farmers

EV's Across Rhode Island: Meet Errol Danehy

Errol Danehy, a lifelong resident of Rhode Island, is a great example of how motorists are using the DriveEV rebate program to adopt electric vehicles (EVs). Recently, Errol took advantage of DriveEV’s income-qualified rebate, receiving $2,000 after purchasing a pre-owned battery electric Mini Cooper.

Errol’s decision to go electric was primarily driven by his commitment to sustainability. “It was an environmental concern, and the cost was also really a big deal,” he explains. “With EV prices decreasing and gas prices increasing, it just made sense.”

For more information on how you can benefit from Rhode Island’s DriveEV rebate program, visit: https://drive.ri.gov/

Browning the Green Space, Clean Energy Internship Networking Event

On July 30th, OER and Browning the Green Space hosted the first ever Rhode Island Clean Energy Internship Networking Event at CIC in Providence! The event provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with employers and peers, enhancing their career development.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Alisha Harrington of BGS, followed by an inspiring keynote address from Priscilla De La Cruz, Director of Sustainability for the City of Providence.

Since 2019, the RI Clean Energy Internship Program has provided 100+ paid internship opportunities to college students and recent graduates interested in clean energy career pathways.

For more information on the RI Clean Energy Internship Program and how to get involved, please reach out to Abbie Hasenfus (abigail.hasenfus@energy.ri.gov) or visit the program website.

Would you like to add your energy-related project? Send your info to energy.media@energy.ri.gov.