NEWSLETTER | FEBRUARY 2018
Governor directs energy team to work with utilities to procure 400 MW of affordable, clean energy
On Monday, February 5, Governor Raimondo directed her energy team to work with the state's utilities to issue a procurement for up to 400 megawatts of affordable, clean energy by this summer.

The Governor's 1,000-megawatts by 2020 goal directs Rhode Island's energy team to seek a broad mix of clean resources - including offshore and on-shore wind, hydro and solar. The state's existing and successful clean energy programs are working well, contributing to clean energy expansion and job growth throughout Rhode Island. This large-scale procurement will supplement and accelerate the state's progress, and diversify its mix of clean energy.

The Office of Energy Resources will collaborate with the state's utilities to design a request for proposals.

Since 2014, Rhode Island has added more than 5,000 green jobs, a 66 percent increase. The Governor's goal calls for 20,000 green jobs by 2020. In that time frame, the state has also increased the number of solar companies that are approved to do business with the state eight-fold, from six to 48.

Click here to see Rhode Island's progress toward the Governor's clean energy goal.
2018 Annual Energy Efficiency Plan provides customers with tools to lower their bills
National Grid is offering more tools to help customers take control of their energy usage and lower their bills – all part of the 2018 Annual Energy Efficiency Plan which took effect in January.

Throughout 2018, National Grid will be offering a suite of cost-saving services. Customers can invest in energy efficiency measures such as weatherization, heating, lighting, and controls to save energy at about one-third the cost of purchasing electricity and natural gas supply.

In addition to lowering customers' bills, energy savings will help to displace fossil fuel based electricity generation and avoid investments in unnecessary infrastructure. This, in turn, provides cost savings to all customers, and is helping the state to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

The Rhode Island Energy Efficiency & Resource Management Council (EERMC) is part of the oversight and approval process for National Grid's energy efficiency programs.

To learn how energy efficiency benefits us all, download these two fact sheets below from the EERMC.
EERMC Fact Sheet:
Why does my utility care about energy efficiency?
EERMC Fact Sheet:
Why should I care about energy efficiency?
Solarize Bristol reaches Tier 2, unlocking steep discounts for residential solar
As a result of surging interest in solar in Bristol, residents can now expect to save 20-25 percent on residential solar systems as part of the Solarize Bristol program.

As of January 8, Solarize Bristol has reached “Tier 2” status – meaning residents who want to buy solar can expect great savings and discounted pricing for any solar contract signed through the program. The contracts which have been signed to date total more than 60 kilowatts. The Solarize program helps to lower contract prices and increase savings for all Bristol residents by using a group-buying model and neighbor-to-neighbor community outreach. As more residents sign contracts and Tier 3 is reached, residents will save even more.

Solarize Bristol, a partnership between the Office of Energy Resources, the Town of Bristol and non-profit SmartPower, drives down the cost of installing small-scale solar systems through a group purchasing model. Bristol, which is participating in a Solarize campaign for the second time, has embraced the program as a way to help residents explore solar energy and save money.

Solarize Barrington and South Kingstown are close to reaching their Tier 2 benchmarks as well. Visit solarizeri.com for more information.
Rhode Island College completes first phase of campus-wide energy efficiency project
Rhode Island College, serving over 9,000 students in Providence, has recently completed the first phase of a two-year $14 million project to upgrade 41 buildings and campus infrastructure. The total project is expected to save more than $1,600,000 in energy costs annually for the next 15 years.

Infrastructure upgrades and energy conservation measures include:
  • LED lighting
  • Energy management systems
  • Central plant improvements
  • Variable frequency drives
  • Water conservation measures
  • Building weatherization
  • Energy efficiency motors
  • Demand control ventilation
  • Transformer replacements

These upgrades not only provide energy savings, but also contribute to creating more comfortable and effective teaching and learning environments.

Last spring, Rhode Island College was selected as a 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School as result of its environmental, health and wellness efforts.

The State's Lead by Example initiative promotes the adoption of clean energy measures across public sector facilities and state agencies. State and municipal employees are helping to reduce energy costs and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with Rhode Island's economic, energy and environmental goals.
ENERGY COMPANY PROFILE
RI-based ADI assists with RIC efficiency project
ADI Energy is one of the proud, Rhode Island firms to work on the RIC efficiency improvement project. Founded in 2002 by URI graduate John Rizzo, ADI designs, engineers and installs energy efficient infrastructure solutions throughout the US. Since its founding, ADI has become a local success story and was ranked in Inc 5000’s list of “Fastest Growing Private Companies in America” for five years. ADI holds specialized federal contracts with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Energy. Local clients include the cities of Providence, Woonsocket and Warren. Most recently, ADI joined a larger platform, Oaktree Capital Management, and now has over 400 employees, with 12 positions here in Rhode Island. ADI is headquartered in Smithfield.
UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
February 7
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Barrington Town Hall, 2nd Floor, 283 County Road, Barrington, RI
February 7
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Briefing on Appliance Efficiency Standards in Rhode Island
Rhode Island State House, Library, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI
Contact Rep. Arthur Handy with questions, REP-HANDY@rilegislature.gov or (401) 785-8996
February 7
5:00 p.m.
Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council
February 7
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
North Scituate Library, 606 W. Greenville Rd., North Scituate, RI
February 15
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
1 Capitol Hill, Second Floor, Conf. Room A, Providence, RI
February 20
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Statewide Planning Speaker Series
"Hartford's Bold Experiment: Eliminating Minimum Parking Requirements"
1 Capitol Hill, Second Floor, Conf. Room 2B
Providence, RI
March 1
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
F. W. Webb, 101 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI
March 1
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
F. W. Webb, 101 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI
March 22
12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Statewide Planning Speaker Series
"The Future of Transportation Funding"
1 Capitol Hill, Second Floor, Conf. Room 2C
Providence, RI
April 27
by Solar Energy Industries Association
Boston Park Plaza, Boston, Mass.
Register by Mar. 26 to get the early bird rate.
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 .