Energy Municipal Benchmarking & Energy Reinvestment (EMBER) Program

Building upon the success of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) Lead by Example (LBE) Program is pleased to announce the availability of funding for Rhode Island cities and towns through the EMBER Program. This program supports municipalities in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing energy costs through investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in municipally owned buildings. EMBER also supports municipal energy benchmarking, helping cities and towns track building energy use over time and identify their highest-impact energy savings opportunities. 

Eligibility 

All thirty-nine (39) Rhode Island cities and towns are eligible to apply. Projects must occur in municipally owned buildings. Municipalities must have ownership of the design, procurement, and implementation of awarded projects. 

Applications may include one or more of the project types listed in the program application below. 

Funding 

Grant funding through the EMBER program can be utilized in combination with any other funding for which the applicant may be eligible. This is a reimbursement-based program. Municipalities are limited to one grant award, with a maximum of $250,000 in awarded funding, every 12 months from the time of MOU execution. Awards are contingent on the availability of funds. 

Application Review Prioritization 

Applications will be accepted from all Rhode Island municipalities beginning on the launch date of October 22, 2026. Until February 1, 2027, applications from municipalities designated as a disadvantaged community will be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the close of the priority period, beginning on February 1, 2027, all remaining applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent on the availability of funds. 

For the purposes of this program, the following Rhode Island communities are designated as disadvantaged communities, based on the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool:  

Central Falls - Cranston - East Providence - Middletown - Narragansett Reservation - Newport - Pawtucket - Providence - South Kingstown - Warren - Westerly - West Warwick – Woonsocket 

Program Application 

To apply and learn more about the application process and program details, please see the application below.