OER News: U.S. Department of Energy visits RI and more stories

The latest in State energy news

McKee Administration Receives $6.6 Million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Governor Dan McKee announced that Rhode Island's Office of Energy Resources (OER) will be receiving a combined total of $6.6 million in federal funding from the U.S Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grant Program ($3.4 million) and the State Energy Program (SEP) ($3.2 million). This funding will support administrative and programmatic tasks at OER, including energy security planning and enhancing the resiliency of Rhode Island’s electric grid system, which will help in advancing the goals with Act on Climate.

The SEP funding will be used to help support the administrative and programmatic tasks at OER and fund the following initiatives:

2025 Climate Change Emissions Report
Clean Energy Workforce Needs Assessment
Microgrids for Critical Facilities Feasibility Program
State Energy Security Plan

U.S Department of Energy Officials visit OER

U.S. Department of Energy officials visited with OER to tour several locations in Rhode Island and explore the ways that federal funding is being used to advance our State's clean energy goals.

Their first stop was with Truth Box, an architectural firm that specializes in sustainable and energy efficient designs. Next, they viewed the rooftop solar array that was installed as a part of the Capitol Hill Solar project. The array has a total capacity of 180.5 kW.

Later, they met with Mayor Brett Smiley at the Gateway Center in Roger Williams Park to discuss the potential of sustainable building in Providence and how they can bring positive transformations within our communities.

Finally, they toured the Farm Fresh Rhode Island building that went from a vacant Brownfield site to a model of smart growth and sustainable development, that brings together local farmers, small businesses, and the community.

Thank you to U.S. Department of Energy for coming to Rhode Island and visiting with our office to discuss the different ways we can expand our clean energy transformation.

Updates to the Erika Niedowski Memorial E-bike and DRIVE EV Rebate Programs

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Modifications to the Erika Niedowski Memorial E-bike Rebate Program:

Removal of Medicare from the list of qualifying state or federal low-income programs in RI.
Modification to language concerning online e-bike purchases eligibility.
Modification to rebate amounts.

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Modifications to the DRIVE EV Rebate Program:

Removal of Medicare from the list of qualifying state or federal low-income programs in RI.
Addition of a list of qualifying out-of-state dealerships.
Modification to rebate amounts.

Learn more

Energy Profile: E-bikes across Rhode Island - Larry Davis

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources has been traveling around Rhode Island to interview recipients of the Erika Niedowski Electric Bike Rebate Program, which offers standard and income-qualified rebates for electric bikes. These bikes offer enhanced speed and distance compared to conventional bikes while still providing exercise and the joy of biking.

Larry Davis is an e-bike owner in Newport who uses his bike for running errands and riding around his favorite spots in Rhode Island, including Fort Adams. Larry was able to purchase his e-bike through OER’s e-bike rebate program. Since he purchased the e-bike in November, Larry has put over 600 miles on it.

“Applying for the rebate was very easy,” said Larry. “The application was straight forward, and I had no trouble with it.”

Energy Explained RI: Understanding your electric bill and how to lower it

Do you ever look at your electric bill and wonder what exactly you’re paying for? It can be confusing, so we'll break it down for you. For more information about your electric bill or how to lower your energy costs, 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.