Rhode Island Thermal Working Group

The Thermal Working Group evaluated how the state can better extend the full benefits of energy efficiency to delivered fuels (heating oil and propane) customers.

For more information on the Thermal Working Group, please contact Danny Musher at danny.musher@energy.ri.gov.

Background

Delivered fuels—chiefly home heating oil, propane, and kerosene—play a central role in the thermal sector of Rhode Island’s energy economy. Over one-third of Rhode Island homes use delivered fuels for heating. These fuels supply nearly 40% of Rhode Island’s overall heating needs.

Despite the prevalence of delivered fuels, little dedicated energy efficiency program funding exists to serve delivered fuels customers—even though the state currently ranks as a national leader in energy efficiency. This gap creates recurring uncertainty in funding availability and scope, and precludes the ability to plan and offer energy efficiency services for delivered fuels customers at levels comparable with electric and gas programs.

To address these challenges, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) established a Thermal Working Group in 2014 with the purpose of evaluating how the state can better extend the full benefits of energy efficiency to delivered fuels heating customers. The working group’s final report presents research, analysis, and recommendations for achieving a cleaner and more efficient energy system for the delivered fuels heating sector.