The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Public School Energy Equity Program aims to provide essential support to underserved public schools in Rhode Island by implementing energy-saving measures that improve building occupants' health, safety, and comfort while also reducing energy costs. This will contribute to the state's Act on Climate law, which mandates economy-wide greenhouse gas reduction targets leading to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG) has installed a rooftop solar array on the 56 Troop Command Armory Building at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich. Marissa Pereira, energy program manager for RIARNG, discusses the project and her process of working with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to procure funding and technical assistance. At 207kW, this solar array is the second largest on a state facility in Rhode Island. Newport Renewables performed the installation.

The Compass School, located in Kingston, Rhode Island, is a public K-8th grade charter school. It was founded in 2002 by a group of parents who desired an environment where their children would be challenged to become problem solvers, critical thinkers, and life long learners. Compass School received a $500,000 award from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to help renovate an abandoned seed barn and transform it into a state-of-the-art schoolhouse, using the latest in energy efficiency technology.

Pascoag Utility District (PUD) has installed Rhode Island’s first utility-scale battery storage facility. PUD worked with Agilitas Energy to design, install, and operate the 3 MW battery facility on a leased industrial site in Pascoag. By installing the battery system, the PUD was able to avoid paying up to $12 million in grid infrastructure upgrades. This is an excellent example of how energy storage can eliminate the need for extra electricity transmission infrastructure, such as poles and wires.

Jamestown Public Schools received a Lead by Example Clean Energy Award from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources on May 9, 2023, for implementing multiple clean energy projects throughout the year. The first project was installing two solar arrays, and a carport solar canopy at the Melrose Elementary School and a solar roof array at the Lawn Middle School. Together these solar projects will offset 84 percent electricity for the school district annually, making the Jamestown School Department the first district in the state to achieve this renewable energy benchmark. The total cost of this project was $1.03 million using $799,000 funds from the School Bonds and the remainder covered from the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund.

The Rhode Island State Police received a Lead by Example Clean Energy Award from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources on May 9, 2023, for implementing completing a comprehensive lighting and controls retrofit at the Rhode Island State Police Public Safety Complex. After completing these energy efficiency upgrades, the State Police facilities are now 100 percent LED. These energy reductions will save the State over $45,000 per year in energy costs. The agency also upgraded its HVAC system with a heat pump and installed insulation at the training academy barracks, drastically improving the comfort, efficiency, and operations of this critical facility. This project's energy savings are estimated to result in nearly 200,000 pounds of avoided CO2 per year.

The Town of North Kingstown received a Lead by Example Clean Energy Award from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources on May 9, 2023, for implementing several significant energy efficiency and clean energy transportation projects. One of the major initiatives involved converting all 2,500 streetlights to LED. The town also made upgrades to the Historic Town Hall, first built in 1884, which includes a new HVAC system, temperature controls, and low-emissivity replacement windows, as well as HVAC upgrades at several other public safety buildings. Additionally, the town was able to install EV charging stations at the highly utilized municipal golf course. These projects will result in significant cost and energy savings as well as improve safety and comfort.

Pascoag Utility District received a Lead by Example Clean Energy Award from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources on May 9, 2023, for installing a 3MW/9MWh battery storage system to help avoid over $6 million in large transmission upgrade costs. The project utilized Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for below-market financing of $1.4 million, a grant from the Office of Energy Resources of $250,000, and a shared savings partnership with storage company Agilitas Energy to support this project. This upgrade will improve the reliability of their great at peak load, while also contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

The Town of Lincoln replaced all its streetlights with energy efficient LEDs. This project encompasses many benefits, including significant energy and cost savings, and improved safety and visibility throughout all town streets. The streetlight conversion project will save the Town of Lincoln just over $2 million over the life of the equipment.

The Woonsocket Education Department upgraded six of its schools to high efficiency LED lighting and controls, dramatically improving the learning environment and providing significant energy savings for the department. These lighting upgrades were funded by OER’s School Equity Program, and significant incentives from the state energy efficiency program. By upgrading these buildings, the Department will save $2,000,000 over the life of the equipment. 

The University of Rhode Island installed a 1.5 MW solar canopy array over a newly developed parking lot, creating one of the largest solar carports in the state to date. The solar canopy offers plentiful benefits such as covered parking for commuting students, and a significant visual reminder of the University's commitment to green energy. URI also completed several energy efficiency projects across the Narragansett Bay Campus. These projects included significant LED lighting upgrades on campus, alongside the replacement of the building management system and boilers. Furthermore, URI reduced its environmental impact by replacing the entire Bay Campus vehicle fleet with low speed, efficient EVs.

Farms across Rhode Island are lowering their energy bills and going green with solar power! Legend’s Creek Farm, located in Foster, Rhode Island, is popular for its goat milk soap and other personal care products. To help save energy, the owners installed energy efficient closed cell foam insulation and new double-pane windows. The farm received combined grants for over $38,000 to install 59 solar panels, which produce nearly 100 percent of its annual energy use. For information about how to lower your energy bills and save money at your farm or business, visit www.energy.ri.gov. Thank you to Legend’s Creek Farm for sharing their story! Visit them online at www.legendscreekfarm.com.

Verde Vineyards, located in Johnston, Rhode Island, is unique for its traditional wine making techniques, hand-picked grapes, open fermentation and oak barrel aging. Mr. Verde has implemented three different clean energy projects: a 10.56 kW ground mounted solar system, a 40 kWh battery back-up system and geothermal heat pumps. As a result of these systems working together, the farm is 100% powered by renewable energy. Verde Vineyards received an award from the state's Agricultural Energy Grant program supporting both the battery installation and an upgrade to its solar inverters. The farm received an additional grant award from the US Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program (USDA-REAP).

Discover the renewable energy story of Sweet and Salty Farm in Little Compton, Rhode Island. In an ambitious move towards green energy, Sweet and Salty Farm installed a 19.8kW solar array atop their dairy barn and creamery in 2017, designed to cover 100% of their electrical needs. This renewable journey was significantly supported through grants: $20,000 from the Rhode Island Agricultural Energy Program (RI AgEP), $18,067 from the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), and $19,800 from the Renewable Energy Fund. Additionally, the Federal Investment Tax Credit provided substantial financial benefits. Remarkably, the project's return on investment was calculated at a mere 2.7 years, showcasing not just environmental stewardship but also economic savvy.

Join us on a captivating journey to Windmist Farm, a hidden gem in Jamestown, Rhode Island, where tradition meets innovation. In 2018, Martha Neal and her husband decided to pursue a clean energy system that could redefine the farms eco-footprint. With the help of various funding sources, Windmist Farm installed a 25.21kW solar panel system atop two southern facing barn roofs. The farm received several grant awards including: $20,000 from the Rhode Island Agricultural Energy Program, $20,242.15 from the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, and $21,424.25 from Commerce RI’s Renewable Energy Fund. Additionally, the Federal Investment Tax Credit provided substantial financial support. Windmist Farm now saves a remarkable $18,000 each year in energy costs, and the payback period was calculated at 3.8 years. 

On September 1, 2023, Governor Dan McKee, joined by the Office of Energy Resources (OER), announced the launch of Clean Heat Rhode Island, a heat pump program for households, small businesses, farmers and non-profits, which offers incentives for the installation of high efficiency heat pumps. This interview a heat pump customer, James, explains what heat pumps are and the advantages they offer. For more information, please visit www.CleanHeatRI.com.

On September 1, 2023, Governor Dan McKee, joined by the Office of Energy Resources (OER), announced the launch of Clean Heat Rhode Island, a heat pump program for households, small businesses, farmers and non-profits, which offers incentives for the installation of high efficiency heat pumps. This interview a heat pump customer, James, explains what heat pumps are and the advantages they offer. For more information, please visit www.CleanHeatRI.com.

Meri, a North Kingstown resident, is one of many Rhode Islanders making the switch to electric with the help of the state’s DriveEV rebate program. She received a $1,000 rebate after purchasing a used 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, marking her fifth VW and first EV! Meri’s story highlights the growing availability of affordable pre-owned EVs and the benefits of electric driving. From gas and maintenance savings to the convenience of public charging stations, her experience with the ID.4 has been overwhelmingly positive. Thinking about going electric? Learn more about rebates for EVs and home charging stations at www.drive.ri.gov.

Join us as we celebrate a monumental achievement in Rhode Island! Governor Dan McKee, alongside the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, RIDOT, RIDEM, RI Division of the Federal Highway Administration, and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, marks Rhode Island's distinction as the first state to complete Phase 1 of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program.

The Warwick Park & Ride will feature two new high-speed electric vehicle fast chargers, in addition to the five already at this location. New stations open for service Summer 2024. These stations are being constructed under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides states with $7.5 billion to help make EV charging more accessible. Rhode Island was awarded $22.9 million over a 5 year period to build EV charging stations.

Fill out the survey by May 4, 2024, at www.energy.ri.gov/RINEVI.

Electric buses are transforming the way we think about public transportation. Instead of relying on diesel fuel, these innovative vehicles run on electricity, making them a game-changer for a sustainable future. Join us on a journey to discover how Rhode Island is embracing electric buses through RIPTA's Zero Emissions Fleet Transition Plan.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) 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. Elizabeth Petersen has enjoyed e-biking in Newport for many years. Recently, she purchased her very own e-bike, which she utilizes for both commuting and recreation activities, thanks to OER's e-bike rebate initiative.
 

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) 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.

On June 2, 2023, U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm toured the Block Island Wind Farm with Governor Dan McKee, RI's congressional delegation, & the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.

For Rhode Island state employees, this video demonstrates the steps required to operate electric vehicle charging stations located at state facilities.