The Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG) completed the interconnection of its rooftop solar facility on the 56 Troop Command Armory Building at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich. The $335,000 project is expected to generate $45,700 in annual energy savings. The 207kW solar facility is the largest rooftop solar array on a state facility in Rhode Island and is the ninth solar project contributing towards the state’s Lead by Example Initiative.

As one of the most critical facilities for the RIARNG, the armory houses several units that respond to natural disasters, pandemics, state of emergencies, and other critical events. With the building’s brand new, flat roof and location free from shade, the armory was the perfect location for the RIARNG’s first solar project.

In the last several years, the RIARNG has implemented several energy-related projects, including converting several facilities from oil or propane to natural gas, upgrading equipment to energy efficient systems, and LED lighting retrofit projects. In addition to the 207kw system, RIARNG is also in the process of procuring a 550kw system for their Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Camp Fogarty. The hope of implementing these solar projects is to eventually install storage components that will allow the facilities to run off electricity generated by the panels during power outages and natural disasters, so that RIARNG units can continue their missions without disruption.

Resiliency is important to the RIARNG, and implementing renewable energy will allow the organization to become more resilient. “The installation of a 207 kW-DC solar array on Camp Fogarty Armory made good organizational sense,” said COL Sean McKiernan, CFMO. “The array is the largest rooftop solar array the State of Rhode Island has installed on a state facility to date. As the RIARNG looks to the future, there are plans to construct a 550 kW-DC solar array in the fall of 2020, which will continue to advance the RIARNG closer to the Governor’s goal for a 100% renewable energy future. We all have a responsibility to safeguard our environment and serve as an example for others to follow.”

Providence-based Newport Renewables installed the net-metered solar array with its in-house team of electricians and renewable energy professionals. The company was also behind the three building installation on Capitol Hill administration buildings in 2018.

As Rhode Island’s largest water utility, Providence Water provides drinking water to approximately 600,000 Rhode Islanders. The company completed a 17,739-panel, ground-mounted, 4.99-megawatt solar project at its Pine Hill Road location in Johnston.

EDF Renewables designed and built the project at no cost to Providence Water. The Pine Hill Solar project, combined with the rooftop solar array on Providence Water’s Central Operation Facility, will provide Providence Water with 100 percent renewable energy and produce no greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to significant cost savings, the Pine Hill Road Solar Project has substantial environmental benefits, including reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

The utility company expects to save up to $600,000 in the first year, with an anticipated savings of $25 million in utility costs over the next 25 years. Providence Water has agreed to purchase power from EDF at a fixed rate of $0.0914/kWh for the next 25 years, with an additional ten-year option available.

“Sustainability has long been at the core of Providence Water’s mission, so working towards the goal of 100 percent renewable energy has been one of our most important initiatives,” said Ricky Caruolo, General Manager of Providence Water. “At our new headquarters, we installed a rooftop solar array, switched to energy-efficient LED lighting, purchased three zero-emissions Chevy Bolts and installed two electric vehicle charging stations. And now, with the completion of the 4.99-megawatt, 17,739-panel Pine Hill solar array, we have reached our goal of being powered by 100 percent renewable energy sources.”

The construction process required minimal tree clearing and less than one acre of land. Providence Water planted 61 seedlings near the cleared area to replace the removed trees. 

The Pine Hill Road Project was completed in July 2020 and began operation in August.

“This project could not have happened without the hard work of many Providence Water employees; our project partners, AEP OnSite Partners and EDF Renewables; and the Town of Johnston. Working cooperatively, we were able to bring this project from RFP to operation in two years,” said Caruolo.

In June 2020, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), Department of Administration (DOA), Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and Department of Corrections (DOC) completed a collaborative project to upgrade the exterior lighting at the John O. Pastore Complex to current LED technology. The project will help reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 811 tons, equivalent to removing 159 vehicles from the road for one year, on average. 

Much of site’s exterior lighting had reached the end of its useful life, making this an opportune time for an upgrade. Improving the infrastructure, however, was just one of the project goals. The energy and maintenance cost savings of this large-scale project will be significant, as will reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Equally important is improved security resulting from increased and better-focused illumination across the complex. Finally, the project also upgraded the lighting of the outdoor prison exercise yards, improving conditions for both the inmates and security personnel.

The Pastore Complex, located in Cranston, covers approximately 325 acres of land and includes thirty-five buildings totaling 1.5 million square feet of floor space. It is home to a variety of state government agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles; Department of Labor & Training; Department of Business Regulation; Executive Offices of Health & Human Services; Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals; Department of Human Services; Healthcare Exchange; Office of the Child Advocate; Governor’s Commission on Disabilities; Fire Code Appeals Board; Labor Hearing Board; Traffic Tribunal; Parole Board; Department of Corrections; Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner; Department of Children, Youth & Families; and the Eleanor Slater Hospital Network. 

The Solution

The project was designed and installed under the auspices of the OER’s Lead by Example Program.  OER also committed Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds to support project financing, leveraged with energy efficiency program incentives and technical assistance delivered through the electric distribution utility. Throughout the process, OER worked closely with Rethinking Power Management (RPM), an engineering consultant, as well as with DOA, DOC and DCAMM to incorporate economic, environmental and safety goals. 

To begin, RPM developed a lighting plan. The plan defined replacement equipment, equipment locations, installation instructions for each fixture, additional fixture requirements, and repair opportunities. Rise Engineering, a Rhode Island company with years of lighting expertise, was selected as the installation contractor following a competitive bid process led by the state’s Division of Purchasing.

DCAMM headed a multi-agency management team for the installation portion of the project; RPM facilitated the process and weekly meetings. To start, the team refined the lighting plan and process for installation. Once products were approved and received, samples of each fixture type were vetted with the appropriate agency to ensure the design met expectations. From there, the team addressed questions and issues as the project moved forward. 

Ultimately, approximately 1,100 fixture upgrades were completed – including street and walkway lighting, wall-packs, parking lot lighting, and flood lighting. 

Acclaim

Response from agencies across the campus has been tremendous.

“The entire project was very well managed and the results are beneficial to our operations. Perimeter and parking patrols have commented on the overall brightness of both areas. Many thanks to all involved in this project.”  – Joe Costanzo, RI Department of Children, Family & Youth

“The upper parking lot is so much more visible. Great job.” – Dave Cannon, DOC

“You have improved the yard lighting by 100%.” – Captain Anthony Atella, DOC

Summary

The project will provide economic and environmental benefits for years to come. The project is estimated to reduce annual energy consumption by 1,040,205 kWh, thereby generating approximately $176,800 in electricity cost savings. Moreover, these installations will help reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 811 tons, equivalent to removing 159 vehicles from the road for one year, on average. 

From a project financing perspective, OER’s $283,563 commitment in RGGI funds was leveraged with $333,000 in utility-administered energy efficiency incentives.  The net cost to the State - $283,563 – will be paid back through energy savings in just two years. 

The Pastore Complex LED lighting project will also enhance security and improve comfort for all who work there, live there or visit – improvements that will last years into the future. These include:

• Improved safety and security for campus occupants

• Better illumination across the complex

• Streamlined inventory requirements

• Extended hours for outdoor recreation at the correctional facilities

• Reduced vandalism

Based on its cost-effectiveness and other myriad benefits, additional improvements at the site and across the state are being considered.

The Narragansett Bay Commission’s (NBC) Bucklin Point Wastewater Treatment Facility recently installed a new Combined Heat and Power system to reduce its dependence on the energy grid by approximately 36%. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the concurrent production of electricity and useable thermal energy from a single energy source. The CHP system will allow NBC to become more energy-efficient and reduce costs. 

The heart of the new system is a 644 kW (gross capacity) engine-generator that operates on biogas created through anaerobic sludge digestion. Anaerobic digestion is a process in which microorganisms break down biodegradable materials in an absence of oxygen. It produces a combustible biogas that is in turn used to generate energy. The new CHP system will use a blend of 59% biogas and 41% natural gas. 

The Bucklin Point Wastewater Treatment Facility is Rhode Island’s second-largest wastewater treatment facility. It treats wastewater through biological nutrient removal and ultraviolet disinfection. The facility required an average of 1.5 MW of power throughout 2019, which equates to an annual electric bill of $1.8 million. Historically, the Bucklin Point facility has used biogas only for heating and has safely flared any excess. 

The total cost of the CHP project was $6,440,000. The NBC received several financial incentives, including $682,300 from National Grid, $200,000 from the Renewable Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and $80,000 from the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund. In addition, NBC will sell the electric renewable energy credits from the project to help pay for it. 

“We have galvanized a strong commitment from every part of the organization,” said NBC Chairman Vincent Mesolella. “The Board of Commissioners made a commitment to pursuing 100% sustainable energy for the NBC nearly twenty years ago. With each new clean energy project, the NBC gets closer to this ambitious goal. This commitment makes sense from an environmental standpoint, and also benefits the NBC’s ratepayers.”

The energy the CHP system produces will also provide most of the heat necessary to warm the anaerobic digesters that power it. Only during the coldest part of the winter will the system rely on other sources of heating. At that time, natural gas-fired boilers will provide additional heat.   

The project was completed in late 2020 and is expected to go online for continuous operation in the first quarter of 2021

Homeowner Melissa Buttaro of Lincoln, Rhode Island, called Newport Electric Construction (NEC) Solar to install a Tesla Powerwall 13.5kWh battery in her home. The Tesla Powerwall is a fully-integrated AC battery system designed for residential and light commercial use.

With a rechargeable battery pack, it stores solar power for later use, as well as providing time-based control and backup. Her existing rooftop solar system plus battery storage will pay for itself in 10 years and save $44,000 over the next 25 years. She was also able to use several incentive programs to finance the project. NEC completed the project in June of 2020.

NEC Solar had previously installed solar panels on Melissa’s home in 2019. Last spring, the company informed her about several incentive programs available. These included the federal tax credit, 0% financing through the Rhode Island HEAT Loan program, and the Connected Solutions program, which allows property owners to sell their stored solar energy to National Grid during peak usage. 

“When they mentioned energy storage options to me at the start of the pandemic, there seemed to be a lot of insecurity in the world at that time,” Melissa says. “I realized how essential power is for working from home and staying connected with friends and family. I wanted a secure source of energy and to reduce my reliance on the grid.”

Once Melissa learned more about Tesla Powerwall, including about its ability to detect a grid outage and switch to solar battery power in a fraction of a second, she was sold. “The decision to buy one essentially became a no-brainer,” she declares. “I didn't have a generator at the time, and now I don't worry about not being able to work from home, or the pipes freezing when I leave town in the winter." 

The Powerwall is compact and takes up minimal space in Melissa’s garage. She is so pleased with the Powerwall that she has recommended it to several family members, and her parents now have two in their home.

“Homeowners are looking to be self-sufficient and use the energy that their solar systems produce daily at night and be prepared in an emergency or black out,” said Taylor Yeager, director of sales for NEC Solar. “The generous incentives of the REF grant, Connected Solutions Program, and tax incentives have brought front and center the conversation of storage and solar. We are excited to be able to offer a diverse range of storage solutions, incorporating varied chemistry and power output to fit any homeowner’s needs."

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!