The latest in Rhode Island energy news
Governor Raimondo signs executive order to transform RI's heating sector
On July 8, Governor Raimondo signed Executive Order 19-06, launching a Heating Sector Transformation in Rhode Island. Led by the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and the Office of Energy Resources, this effort will advance Rhode Island's development of clean, affordable and reliable heating technologies.

"Rhode Islanders are on the front lines of climate change, and it is critical that we continue leading the charge in transforming our energy systems to cleaner alternatives," said Governor Raimondo. "Modern technology provides the opportunity for reforms that make our heating sector more affordable and reliable while reducing our state's carbon footprint. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders through this process and charting a course for a stronger and greener energy future."

The full text of Executive Order 19-06 may be viewed here.
Revolution Wind moves forward with contract approval
The proposed Revolution Wind Farm — a 400-megawatt, approximately 50 turbine project planned at least 15 miles from the Rhode Island shoreline — achieved a milestone when National Grid received approval from the Public Utilities Commission for its contract with offshore wind developer, Ørsted.

This project represents a major step forward in Governor Raimondo's goal to increase the state's clean energy portfolio tenfold by the end of 2020. Once constructed, the wind farm will generate approximately one-quarter of all the electricity used by Rhode Islanders annually. You may track the state's clean energy progress, updated quarterly, on the OER website.
OER recognizes public sector for clean energy achievements at 3rd Annual Lead by Example Clean Energy Awards
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources recognized 25 state government agencies, quasi-public agencies, municipalities, and state colleges and universities for their renewable energy and energy efficiency achievements at its Third Annual Lead by Example Clean Energy Awards ceremony, held at the Rhode Island State House last month.

"Each of our nominees deserves praise for setting a shining example for others to follow," said Governor Raimondo. "These clean energy projects show what we can accomplish when we work together to lower carbon emissions and create a more reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future."

The Lead by Example Clean Energy Award winners were: City of Pawtucket, Warwick Public Schools, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Rhode Island Convention Center and Rhode Island College.

The full list of nominees who received honors may be found by clicking the "read more" button below.
National Grid's SmartCharge RI offers new incentives to EV owners
As an electric vehicle pioneer, you’re already making a positive impact on Rhode Island. Now, you can make an even bigger difference — by joining  SmartCharge Rhode Island.

SmartCharge Rhode Island is a pilot program running through Aug. 31, 2021, allowing National Grid to study the charging behaviors of EV owners. By signing up for SmartCharge Rhode Island, you will be eligible to earn $50 for getting started and activating your device and an additional $50 every year after your initial start date, through August 2021. Opportunities to earn additional SmartCharge rewards may be available throughout the program.

Sign up by August 2019  to ensure you receive the maximum reward!

Thanks to FleetCarma’s interactive digital platform, you’ll get valuable performance information and learn about your charging behavior — all while helping us design and manage a more efficient electrical system.

 and become a member of SmartCharge RI today.
National Grid offers incentives to owners of home batteries
Owners of home batteries are now eligible to receive financial incentives to help the grid meet peak electric demand during the hottest days of the summer.

National Grid will offer a performance-based incentive of $400 per kilowatt from June through September between 2-7 p.m.

You can participate in this program either by installing a battery with a new solar PV system or by adding a battery to an existing solar PV system. When the time is right, National Grid will send a signal directly to your battery and use it to supplement the electric grid during these peak events.

Eligible battery brands include Pika Energy, Sonnen, SolarEdge, Sunrun and Tesla.

Click the button below for more information and how to enroll.
Company profile: Blount Boats
When the Revolution Wind project starts construction in 2022, hundreds of workers will be needed for the assembly of about 50 offshore wind turbines. However, transporting all these workers to their job sites and then back to shore at the end of the day presents a logistical challenge.

Blount Boats, a manufacturer of workboats, ferries and specialty vessels, started in Bristol, Rhode Island, 70 years ago. Run by sisters, Marcia and Julie Blount, the company built a custom 21-meter wind farm crew transfer vessel called the Atlantic Pioneer. The vessel taxied crew back and forth during the construction of the Block Island Wind Farm and continues to be used for operations and maintenance runs.

Click the "read more" button below to view the full profile.
UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
July 18
8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport, RI 
July 22
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Distributed Generation Board Meeting
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2B, Providence, RI
July 24
9:00-11:00 a.m.
RIBA, 450 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI
July 24
5:00-8:30 p.m.
University of Massachusetts Boston, Campus Center, Boston, MA
July 25
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2B, Providence, RI
July 30
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Rhode Island College - Gaige Hall, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 
August 14
9:00-11:00 a.m.
RIBA, 450 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI
August 15
9:00-11:00 a.m.
TACO Manufacturing, 1160 Cranston Street 
Cranston, RI
August 22
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Arnold Lumber, 297 Main Street, Wakefield, RI
August 29
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2A, Providence, RI
September 26
Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RI
October 7
Four Points by Sheraton Norwood, 1125 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA
*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 energy-related event to our calendar? Send the details and event URL to our editor at robert.beadle@energy.ri.gov .