The latest in State Energy News

Governor McKee Launches $25 Million Clean Heat RI Heat Pump Incentive Program

Governor Dan McKee, joined by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, and the Office of Energy Resources (OER), announced the launch of Clean Heat RI, a heat pump program for households, small to mid-sized businesses, and non-profits, which offers incentives for the installation of high-efficiency heat pumps.


This energy program, proposed by Governor McKee in 2022, is the largest energy rebate program for constituents ever launched by OER.


Clean Heat RI will be administered by Abode Energy Management, an energy management firm with oversight from OER.


Oil and propane heating customers that were eligible for heat pump incentives through Rhode Island Energy will be eligible for Clean Heat RI incentives if their heat pump was installed on or after September 1, 2023.


Virtual consultations are not required to apply for the rebate.


Applications and more information is available online at CleanHeatRI.com

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Apply for the RI Agricultural Energy Grant Program Fall 2023 Round

The RI Agricultural Energy Grant Program awards grants to RI Farms for up to $20,000 for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. In consultation with the RI DEM, the RI Office of Energy Resource's goal is to support clean energy projects in the agricultural sector.


We are accepting applications for our next round of funding.


 Applications are due 


October 20, 2023, by 5:00 P.M.


Interested applicants should review the Program Guidance document and ensure applications comply with program terms & conditions, both of which may be found on our website.


Please reach out to Abigail Hasenfus, Program Manager, at abigail.hasenfus@energy.ri.gov with any questions regarding eligibility, program details, or any general inquiries.


Learn more & Apply

Rhode Island is the Second Most Environmentally Friendly State

The Ocean State ranked second on the list of environmentally friendly states, third on the list of the states with the lowest water usage, first for lowest energy use, and twentieth for solar friendliness, according to Forbes Homes.


Forbes Homes determined energy and water usage on a per capita basis, and considered factors including current solar infrastructure and the state’s number of solar-related jobs to calculate solar friendliness.

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LED Lighting Upgrades to Rhode Island College Campus

The Office of Energy Resources has taken on a significant energy efficiency project in collaboration with Rhode Island College (RIC). This project involves the comprehensive replacement of existing lighting systems with state-of-the-art LED fixtures and integrated controls across four major facilities: the Murray Center, Clark Science Lecture Halls, Fogarty Auditorium, and Penfield Hall.

 

Installation has already commenced, and we anticipate completion by December 2023. This endeavor has been funded by the OER using proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, complemented by energy efficiency rebates provided by Rhode Island Energy.

 

Upon completion of this project, every facility within Rhode Island College will be illuminated with LED lighting—a remarkable achievement in energy efficiency and sustainability.


Pictured here are the Women's Basketball coach, Jenna Cosgrove, alongside the Men's Basketball coach, Sam Ferry, in the Murray Center. The gymnasium has been converted to LED lighting that faces upwards using the ceiling's white paint to reflect light back onto the court, providing indirect lighting that does not shine directly in players' eyes.

Energy Storage Photograph Contest

We are excited to announce our Energy Storage Photograph Contest!

The competition aims to find photographs of energy storage projects throughout Rhode Island. The winning images chosen will receive a photo credit and be featured on the Office of Energy Resources website and newsletter.


We are specifically looking for quality photos of installed energy storage systems. Examples include batteries for homes and businesses. Preference will be given to batteries that are charged from renewable energy resources.


This contest will run from


October 1 - November 1, 2023


Please submit photos and required materials by filling out this Google survey form.

Energy Explained RI: Using Demand Response for Clean, Affordable Power

On the hottest days, the electric grid can experience peak load. Peak electricity is dirty, expensive, and requires additional infrastructure. You can help reduce peak load by lowering your electric use at peak times or shifting it to times of the day when demand is lower.


To learn more and get connected, visit https://rieermc.ri.gov.


The “Energy Explained RI” video series takes a closer look at some of the energy issues that impact our lives here in Rhode Island. Brought to you by the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.

UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS

October 3

9:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.


Residential Air Sourced Heat Pumps and High Efficiency Best Practices

Hosted by CLEAResult

Viessmann Manufacturing Co

45 Access Road Warwick, RI 02886

October 4

9:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.


Is the Price Right? Embracing Energy Efficiency in the Real Estate Market

Hosted by URI Cooperative Extension & EERMC

45 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI 02881

Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center, Address

October 4

9:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.


Commercial Air Sourced Heat Pumps

Hosted by CLEAResult

Viessmann Manufacturing Co

45 Access Road Warwick, RI 02886

October 5

9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.


Healthy Homes: Indoor Air Quality 

Hosted by RI Realitors

October 10

10:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.


IECC 2024 Energy Code Update 

Hosted by CLEAResult

Taco Comfort Solutions

1160 Cranston Street Cranston, RI 02920

October 11

8:00-10:30 a.m.


Healthy Homes: Indoor Air Quality

Hosted by RI Builders Association

October 18

12:00-1:00p.m.


WEBINAR: Commercial Passive House for Multi-family

Hosted by CLEAResult

October 18

6:00-7:30p.m.


Wired for the Future: Navigating the Path to Electrification

Hosted by URI Cooperative Extension & EERMC

45 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI 02881

Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center, Address

October 19

2:00-3:00p.m.


EERMC Executive Committee Meeting

Hosted by the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council

Conference Room A, 2nd Floor

Department of Administration

One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908

October 19

3:00-5:00p.m.


EERMC Meeting

Hosted by the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council

Conference Room A, 2nd Floor

Department of Administration

One Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908

October 30

1:00-4:00p.m.


EERMC Meeting – 2023 Councilor Learning, Education & Advancement Discussion – Session #2

Hosted by the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council

President’s Dining Room, Donovan Dining Center

Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908

*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 Natalie.Bishop.CTR@energy.ri.gov.

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