School Lighting Accelerator Program

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), through its Lead by Example (LBE) Initiative, has been working with public entities for a number of years developing and implementing clean energy projects. We are working to extend our success converting State buildings to LED lighting with controls to Rhode Island public schools through our new Public School LED Lighting Accelerator Program.

This program provides technical assistance, procurement support, implementation oversight, and financial incentives to Rhode Island public schools to accelerate the transition to LED lighting with controls in these important buildings.

These LED lighting projects can provide immediate energy consumption and cost reductions; shrink public sector footprints; support clean energy jobs; and improve the quality of lighting in classrooms

The program is being supported through Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds and will leverage utility-administered energy efficiency funding, and where possible, financial support from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE).

Eligible Entities: All public schools in Rhode Island are eligible for this program, which has two levels of financial support.

1. As part of our commitment to equity, schools in the following ten (10) high-need districts - in alignment with the Rhode Island Department of Education's (RIDE) Facility Equity Initiative criteria - will receive 100% funding:

Central Falls, Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, West Warwick, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, Coventry, and Burrillville. 

2. Any school outside of those ten (10) communities listed above is eligible for this program with 75% funding of total project costs provided through OER.

Program Application: If you are interested in participating in this program please fill out the Program Application.

Case Studies 

• Central Falls Calcutt Middle School replaces aging fluorescent lights with new LEDs at zero cost

Summary table 

Includes School Lighting Accelerator program projects that have been completed, are under construction, or planned based on the school district.

¹ Lifetime kWh savings and CO2 impact are calculated for a 13-year period

² CO2 in metric tons