The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is collaborating with the City of East Providence and Kearsarge Energy on a solar installation project along the city’s waterfront.  RIPTA will receive credit from the power generated by the solar installation, which will save an estimated $250,000 annually in energy costs, while the clean energy produced from the site will save approximately 62,000 tons of carbon emissions over the next 25 years. 

Kearsarge Energy completed construction of the nine acre, 6,000 panel solar installation in December of 2020.   Located on the site of the former Dexter Road Tank Farm in East Providence, the solar installation will generate new tax revenue for the city.  The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources assisted RIPTA in creating a net energy proposal beneficial to all parties.  

“This project is a win on many levels,” said Scott Avedisian, RIPTA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are saving money, we are using sustainable clean energy, and we are tapping into a solar farm that brought new life to waterfront property that needed remediation. As we move toward adding more zero-emission electric buses, we know that they will need charging infrastructure and that finding economical and eco-friendly energy sources is of increasing importance.”

Through the public-private partnership Kearsarge Energy was able to lease formerly underutilized land to build a clean energy resource that will provide clean energy credits for RIPTA and tax revenue for the next 20 years to the city.  The project went from conception to reality in under a year due to the East Providence Waterfront Commission’s streamlined review process and cooperation by all involved.  

“Projects that utilize zero-emission, sustainable energy are a priority in our state, as is our commitment to cleaner air quality,” said Governor Daniel McKee.  “This collaborative effort helps us move toward our goals and benefits taxpayers in the process.”

“RIPTA continues to lead by example with this latest zero-emission energy project. OER applauds its commitment to cleaner energy sources, particularly as Rhode Island works to reduce its economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions and support local jobs and investment,” said State Energy Commissioner Nicholas Ucci.

Electric cars have been on the rise in Rhode Island for years, but lesser-known electric motorcycles are also appearing on the road. Russ’ Ocean State Harley-Davidson in Warwick, Rhode Island, recently installed a ChargePoint DC fast charger utilizing the State’s Electrify RI - Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Program. The charger is available for customer use and can also be used by the public to charge any electric vehicle, including motorcycles.

“As Harley-Davidson begins to make EV motorcycles, it is important for us to be a part of the infrastructure buildout that will support the operation of these vehicles,” says Dana Bishop of Russ’ Ocean State Harley-Davidson.  

The Harley-Davidson company has launched its first EV motorcycle called the LiveWire. The LiveWire has 85.6 ft-lb engine torque with range between 95 and 146 miles depending on driving conditions. Using a DC fast charger, it can go from 0-80% charge in 40 minutes and 100% in 60 minutes.

Electrify RI is an electric vehicle charging station incentive program, administered by OER that seeks to make more charging stations accessible to Rhode Island drivers. The program has earmarked $1.4 million in VW settlement funds for EV charging stations at multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, state and local government properties, and publicly accessible locations. The increased availability of charging stations will encourage state residents and business to make the switch to electric vehicles in order to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions and pollutants. As of today, the Level II charger program has been fully subscribed and limited funding remains for DC fast chargers. More information may be found at http://www.energy.ri.gov/electrifyri.php.

Tell us about your background.

In 2017, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Shortly after and prior to OER, I was employed at the Department of Environmental Management in the Office of Customer and Technical Assistance and worked on governmental applications. 

What led you to work at OER?

I have always been interested in the environment and sustainability. I came across the position at OER online and saw that my interests aligned with the office’s goal of advancing the development of renewable and clean energy resources throughout Rhode Island. As an advocate for the environment, this position suited my goals and career path.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Rhode Island in adopting clean energy?

In my opinion, one significant opportunity for Rhode Island is to continue reducing up-front barriers so more local consumers – particularly our most vulnerable populations – can take part in the energy, economic, environmental, and resiliency benefits of clean energy.  All Rhode Island residents and businesses will need to play a role in reducing our carbon footprint if we are to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.  I am excited about the work ahead of us, and working with our valued stakeholders and the community to develop affordable pathways toward clean energy adoption. 

Name: Jackie Olivieri

Job Title: Programming Services Officer

Hometown: North Providence, RI

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite hobby and/or sport: Soccer   

Ideal Vacation: Italy or Greece

Personal hero: My father

Favorite music: Classic 90s/R&B

Favorite movie: Halloween (The Original)

A cause or charity that’s important to me: World Wildlife Fund

“The EV charging stations are being used every day,” said Jim Murphy, sustainability coordinator for Rhode Island College. “We get requests from students, faculty and staff to install more due to the increase of electric vehicle use. They serve as an example of Rhode Island College’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint.”

Rhode Island College installed its first EV charging station in 2013 with support from OER. The eight ChargePoint stations, installed by DK Power, offer 16 EV charging ports. Combined, they collectively average 152 plug-ins per month and the average plug-in time is 2 hours and 58 minutes. To date, the EV charging stations have avoided 10,000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to planting 250 trees and growing them for 10 years. 

In addition to the eight EV charging stations on campus, RIC has also installed many energy efficiency measures as well as a 111-kilowatt solar array. In 2017, Rhode Island College was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Green Ribbon School, as a result of its commitment to sustainability.

Electrify RI is an electric vehicle charging station incentive program, administered by OER that seeks to make more charging stations accessible to Rhode Island drivers. The program has earmarked $1.4 million in VW settlement funds for EV charging stations at multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, state and local government properties, and publicly accessible locations. The increased availability of charging stations will encourage state residents and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles in order to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions and pollutants. More information may be found at http://www.energy.ri.gov/electrifyri.php.

On a bittersweet note, Barbara Cesaro, OER’s Interdepartmental Project Manager, will be retiring at the end of July after 35 years of working in Rhode Island government. She has been with OER for the past 11 ½ years. We asked Barbara to reflect on her career, her fondest memories of state service, and what she plans to do in retirement.

Please tell us about the programs you worked on at OER.

Currently, my work has focused on transportation initiatives, RGGI and the DOE State Energy Program. I started my work at OER managing over $23M of DOE State Energy Program American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. One of those early projects, funded with the ARRA dollars was the installation of 50 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state. I am currently working on Electrify Rhode Island – an electric vehicle charging station incentive program. The program seeks to make more charging stations accessible to RI drivers. As I reflect on my time at OER, it seems I have come full circle.

Tell us about your career in government.

I began working for the state 35 years ago. I initially spent several years at the DOT, followed by over twenty years at DEM. While at the Office of Air Resources, I was responsible for developing and implementing both the Operating Permit Program and the RI CO2 Budget Trading Program (also known as RGGI).  Over eleven years ago, eager to make a change and learn something new, I transferred to the Office of Energy Resources. It was one of the best decisions I ever made as it opened up entirely new subject matters for me to explore around clean energy and climate change mitigation. 

Reflecting on your time at OER, what will you miss?

I will miss the daily interaction with my co-workers. It has been a delight to work with such a dedicated, intelligent and thoughtful group. I will also miss many state and federal colleagues with whom I have developed strong and fruitful relationships over the years. 

I especially enjoyed being the state coordinator for the National Energy Education Development Project. I planned and coordinated a yearly event that recognized students and teachers that participated in the program. The NEED Project provides students and teachers a hands-on curriculum that brings the science of energy out of the textbook. I loved seeing what the students learned about energy. 

What are you most looking forward to in retirement? 

Spending more time in Michigan and South Carolina with my husband, children and their families. I’m excited by the prospect of being with my grandchildren, Nora, William, Beau and Paige, as they grow. Knitting, reading, gardening, volunteering at a local animal shelter and finally finishing my second children’s book, A Slice of Pizza, are also in the mix. When COVID-19 is behind us, I’m hoping to cross off a few more items from my bucket list: a visit to the Shetland Islands, Patagonia and a river cruise in France. 

What is a cause or charity that’s important to you?

There is a soft spot in my heart for animals, all animals. We currently have two rescue dogs (Pedro and Sophie) from Puerto Rico who bring great joy and happiness to our lives. I look forward to spending more time with them and taking them on long walks. I am especially attached to the “The Sato Project” which is an organization dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned dogs in Puerto Rico.

Barbara, thank you for your service to OER and Rhode Island. We will miss you!

At 1.29 square miles, with over 22,500 people, Central Falls is the smallest, most densely populated city in Rhode Island. It is also the only majority Hispanic community in the state. In 2021, the city unveiled its new brand and slogan, “Diversity That Inspires,” recognizing its rich cultural heritage.

Built in 1976, the Central Falls Calcutt Middle School, serves over 700 students in grades 5-8. The school was using older fluorescent lights and was overdue for an upgrade to newer LED smart lights.

Calcutt Middle School took advantage of a brand-new State program called the School LED Lighting Accelerator, which provides lighting, and other energy upgrades, free of charge to schools. In total, the school replaced 1,032 light fixtures in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, library, gym and other areas.

Lighting is critically important, not just for energy cost savings, but also for safety and the quality of the learning environment for students and teachers. Better lighting makes it easier to concentrate and improves mood and motivation. Furthermore, the LEDs each come with sensors to adjust to the changing natural light conditions throughout the day, dimming when there is adequate sunlight and automatically brightening when the sun is hidden.

By using the School LED Lighting Accelerator program, Calcutt Middle School received $282,513 ($198,828 from the Office of Energy Resources and $83,685 from National Grid) worth of lighting upgrades at zero cost to school department.

As a result, the school is expected to lower its energy use by 129,119 kWh per year which is equal to $21,304 in saved energy costs per year. Additionally, the new lights will also save the school $14,378 in maintenance costs, resulting in a combined estimated annual savings of $35,682!

“We are thrilled with the School LED Lighting Accelerator program. The application was easy and we received expert technical support from the Office of Energy Resources. I would highly recommend this to any school that needs a lighting upgrade and instant energy savings," said Rory Marty, Director of Operations & Safety, Central Falls School Dept.

For more information about the School LED Lighting Accelerator program, please contact George Sfinarolakis (george.sfinarolakis@energy.ri.gov) or Nathan Cleveland (nathan.cleveland@energy.ri.gov) of the R.I. Office of Energy Resources.

Steve Chybowski joined OER in December 2021 as chief of program development, with a focus on energy efficiency, buildings optimization and decarbonization. We are delighted to have him on our team and asked him to introduce himself to our readers.

Tell us about your background.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and my graduate studies at Indiana University. After college, I worked with the City of Fishers, Indiana where I led the City’s sustainability efforts and developed the community’s first greenhouse gas emissions inventories. Then, I worked with Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute where I provided education and training to local government staff throughout the state of Indiana on energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities. In 2021, I moved to Rhode Island and joined OER where I now lead its energy efficiency programming.

What led you to work at OER? 

I chose to work at OER because I want to make the world and my community a better place for future generations, and I believe that public service and the public sector gives me the opportunity to do so. OER is a national leader on energy policy and I’m proud to be a part of this team. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge for Rhode Island in adopting clean energy? 

There are a lot of exciting developments happening in the clean energy space and it is our goal to make sure that everyone has the most up-to-date and accurate information available to them. By keeping Rhode Islanders informed about the options available to them for energy efficiency and renewable energy, we can ensure that each resident, business, and Rhode Island energy customer is making the best choice for meeting their individual needs.

Hometown:  Flint, MI 

Favorite Food: I love all foods and am open to trying anything!  

Favorite hobby and/or sport: Playing guitar and soccer, and I enjoy watching Michigan State football and basketball 

Ideal Vacation: Anywhere with a warm beach and soft sand   

Personal hero: My grandparents 

Favorite music: Indie and alternative rock 

Favorite movie: Pixar’s Coco   

A cause or charity that’s important to me: Putting an end to climate change and all the great organizations working in the environmental space

We are proud to recognize one of the winners of the 2022 Lead by Example Clean Energy Awards – The Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG)

In 2020, RIARNG installed its first rooftop solar PV system on the Camp Fogarty Armory building. At the time, it was the largest rooftop solar PV system on a state facility at 207 KW.

In 2021, the RIARNG began construction on an even larger rooftop solar PV system at 550 KW. This solar system is on the Combined Support Maintenance Shop (CSMS) located at the Camp Fogarty Regional Training Site. The CSMS is an 80,000 square foot maintenance shop that was constructed in 2010.

Once up and running, this solar system will be the State's largest rooftop solar PV array on a State agency and doubles the size of their first solar project at the Camp Fogarty Armory. The system is expected to generate nearly 700,000 kWh annually, producing around 80 percent of the facility’s average annual kWh consumption.

The total cost of the project was $1,045,000 and the RIARNG received $175,000 in grants, of which $75,000 came from the Renewable Energy Fund and $100,000 from Office of Energy Resources resulting in net cost of $870,000.

RIARNG also has fully converted all its interior and exterior lighting at 15 of its major facilities, converted two sites from oil to natural gas, and is working to upgrade older facility HVAC systems.

As both a State and federal Agency, it is imperative for the RIANG to Lead by Example within the State, as well as to contribute to producing clean energy and set an example for state agencies, municipalities, and other federal agencies

Abbie Hasenfus joined OER in February 2022 as programming services officer. We are delighted to have her on our team and asked her to introduce herself to our readers.

Please share with us your information about your background.

In 2019, I joined URI’s Energy Fellowship program and was placed at OER, where I worked specifically on outreach work for the Farm Energy Program. I graduated from URI in 2020 with a BS in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ENRE), a Minor in Marine affairs, and a certificate in Energy Economics and Policy. I returned to URI during the pandemic to complete a master’s in Environmental Economics. My research pertained to energy justice through grid modernization, specifically studying how peaker power plants influence the socioeconomic characteristics of their surrounding neighborhoods.

Describe what led you to work at OER?

I was always passionate about climate change but never knew how to make a career of it. Who knew it would be at the intersection of public service and clean energy? After graduating with my bachelor’s, I held a few marketing positions in the private sector. I always thought I would prefer working in the private sector, but the positions I held made me realize how much I enjoyed my internship at OER, and how much I would enjoy coming back to work full time. I’m very glad I did! 

What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Rhode Island in adopting clean energy?

From a policy and programmatic standpoint, Rhode Island is really helping to light the way for other states in terms of clean energy adoption, grid modernization, and energy efficiency. I think one of the biggest opportunities for us to expand upon is incorporating LMI components into our programs. Our mission at OER is to lead our state towards a clean, affordable, reliable and equitable energy future, and I hope to help expand on the equitable component of our programs and advocate for energy justice!

Name: Abbie Hasenfus

Job Title: Programming Services Officer 

Hometown: Los Angeles 

Favorite Food: I love Mexican food, Thai food, and a good home-made mac n cheese!  

Favorite hobby and/or sport: Playing piano and spending time with friends 

Ideal Vacation: My hometown

A cause or charity that’s important to me: I am very passionate about environmental justice and energy equity!

We are proud to recognize one of the winners of the 2022 Lead by Example Clean Energy Awards – the Town of Smithfield.

In 2021, the town of Smithfield audited, mapped, and converted its streetlights to energy saving LEDs throughout the community. The town converted 1,625 assets and deployed smart controls to allow for pre-programmed dimming or full remote control of the lighting. This conversion program is estimated to save over 518,000 kWhs annually, which is enough energy to power 86 homes annually.

Before the installation, Smithfield conducted an analysis of its entire street lighting system using GIS mapping. The town was able to identify all its lighting assets to determine if they were needed or truly redundant. This resulted in the removal of 410 fixtures and saved 137,000 kWhs annually, which is enough to power 23 homes per year. The reduction of these fixtures contributed to lowering the town’s greenhouse gas emissions and light pollution.

Smithfield was able to partner with National Grid and the RI Office of Energy Resources to acquire incentives and rebates totaling $172,000 for both energy efficient fixtures and smart controls. It is estimated that the energy savings and reduced maintenance services will save the town nearly $300,000 annually, which represents almost a 70 percent reduction in overall town-wide streetlight program costs.

In addition to converting to LED streetlights, the town of Smithfield also completed the installation of two dual port level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink. When comparing gas vehicles and EVs, it is estimated that this project will prevent almost 4 tons of CO2 emissions annually since installing the Ice Rink’s EV charging stations.

The total cost of the project was $61,900, of which National Grid paid $31,900 and OER paid $30,000. There was no cost to Smithfield.

The town of Smithfield is leading by example by demonstrating how a lighting conversion program can use GIS mapping to analyze redundancies in the street lighting system. By installing LED streetlights and EV charging stations, the town of Smithfield is a strong example for other municipalities to follow.