The latest in Rhode Island energy news
State receives 41 bids in response to clean energy RFP
In response to Governor Gina M. Raimondo's call for clean and affordable energy for Rhode Islanders, a recent competitive procurement attracted nearly 2,500 MW of carbon-free resources across 41 different bids. The procurement, issued by National Grid this past September, will help advance the Governor's goal to grow Rhode Island's clean energy supply ten-fold – to 1,000 megawatts – by 2020.
URI-town consortium turns former disposal sites into solar farms
The University of Rhode Island and the towns of South Kingstown and Narragansett, who are working together through the South Kingstown Solar Consortium, recently celebrated a key milestone for an ambitious solar project. The consortium will generate economic benefits for all three partners, while boosting the amount of renewable energy flowing into the state’s electric grid.

In the works for more than three years, the project is among the largest solar power initiatives in New England. When complete, it will cover 267 acres at three locations across the state — in West Kingston, South Kingstown and West Greenwich. 

The University and its private, municipal and state partners gathered to congratulate and recognize the many people involved in the South Kingstown and West Kingston phases of the project.
Burrillville installs new EV charging stations
The Town of Burrillville has opened four new electric car charging stations, which are free and open to the public. The level-two (L2) charging stations are installed on the Blackstone Valley Bike Path and the Clocktower playground. The town used the Office of Energy Resources Charge Up program, which provides grants for charging stations, and received an award of $63,000. Burrillville also received a rebate for $7,500 to lease a Nissan Leaf for three years.
State releases Residential Guide to Going Solar
The State of Rhode Island has released the RI Residential Guide to Going Solar, a handbook for homeowners to help them navigate the many choices involved with installing a roof-mounted solar array.

The Residential Guide covers a variety of topics for homeowners who are interested in learning more about solar:

  • The advantages of going solar
  • The technology, how it works and system options
  • How to prepare a home by making it energy efficient
  • Ideal solar system size, angle and position
  • Available state and federal incentives
  • Expected cost savings and home value appreciation
  • System maintenance and warranties
  • Buying versus leasing
  • How to select an installer
Energy Profile: Town of Westerly completes clean energy upgrades
The Westerly town government is leading by example when it comes to clean energy, having completed several energy efficiency projects in the town hall, highway garage and police station. The 100-year-old town hall received the most upgrades, installing new insulation, weather stripping, a heating system and an efficient water heater, all which increase the warmth and comfort of the building. The three buildings also replaced their old incandescent lights with new energy efficient LEDS. 
Company Profile: TPI Composites
In October, the first electric buses were unveiled in Rhode Island, signaling the beginning of a new era of clean transportation in the state. RIPTA is testing these buses on routes with plans to purchase up to 20 more by 2021.

The new electric buses have a special connection to Rhode Island because their bodies were fabricated here. TPI Composites, located in Warren, uses a special molding process to make the bus bodies lighter, stronger and last longer. The lighter body allows the bus to use less electricity and travel more miles on a single charge than a traditional diesel bus. TPI shipped the completed body to Proterra in California where the company assembled the bus.
UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
December 7
Hosted by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
Providence Biltmore, 11 Dorrance Street, Providence RI
December 13
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room A, Providence, RI
December 19
12:00 p.m.
RI Building Owners Association
New commissioning, ZEB, Circuit Rider, Stretch Code & National Grid programs event 
Roma, 310 Atwells Ave. Providence, RI
February 5-6
Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, Boston, 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 .