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Rhode Island clean energy jobs see 66 percent growth since 2014
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Rhode Island continues to show impressive job growth in the clean energy sector, as detailed in the
2017 Rhode Island Clean Energy Jobs Report released by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and the Executive Office of Commerce.
Now more than 15,300 jobs strong, Rhode Island's clean energy economy continues to grow. Since 2014, clean energy employment in the Ocean State has increased by an impressive 66 percent. Just this past year, it increased by 11 percent.
Some additional highlights from the report:
- Nearly half of all clean energy firms report that installation, maintenance or repair is their primary value chain activity. Installation firms grew employment by 16 percent over the last 12 months.
- Energy efficiency remains the largest portion of the state's clean energy employment. It accounts for 59 percent of all clean energy jobs, or almost 9,000 workers.
- Trade firms reported a 32 percent employment growth, as the number of employers that reported primary in-state suppliers increased by 11 percentage points.
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Download the 2017 Rhode Island Clean Energy Jobs At-A-Glance infographic above.
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Got 90 seconds? Watch our video recap of the Clean Energy Jobs Report.
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Raimondo signs Executive Order reaffirming RI's commitment to the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement
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Governor Gina Raimondo signed an Executive Order last month, reaffirming Rhode Island's commitment to the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement. Rhode Island has joined a coalition of 11 U.S. states that is dedicated to fighting climate change.
Rhode Island has recommitted to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 80
percent below 1990 levels by 2050, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. State agencies are directed to take all necessary actions to reduce their emissions in line with the Resilient Rhode Island Act and the Lead by Example program.
To read the full text of the Executive Order and to learn about how Rhode Island is working to minimize climate change, click here.
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Solarize Launches in Cranston and Charlestown
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The communities of Cranston and Charlestown officially kicked off their Solarize campaigns with a launch event on June 7, featuring speakers from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, Cranston, Charlestown and SmartPower.
On June 27, about 75 Charlestown residents packed into the Cross' Mills Library to learn about discounts on solar panel purchases and installations. On June 29, Cranston held a similar educational workshop for residents and business owners. More events will be held in these two communities over the summer. Check out the Solarize RI Facebook page for more details.
Solarize RI is a program that uses pre-selected installers and access to flexible financing to make going solar easy and affordable for Rhode Island residents.
It allows for a competitive tiered pricing structure that ultimately increases the savings for everyone as more home and business owners invest in solar. Nearly 400 residents and business owners have signed contracts for small-scale solar electricity systems with the program.
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Students recognized for energy achievements
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The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) hosted the annual RI Awards Ceremony for the National Energy Education Development Program for Energy Achievement on June 7th at West Warwick High School. Nine schools participated in the program (two elementary, six middle and one high school). Four schools were selected as national award winners.
Students submitted portfolios documenting their energy activities throughout the year, such as organizing their own energy fairs/expos, implementing conservation programs, building model wind turbines, conducting school energy audits, and teaching educational workshops for their communities and peers. The portfolios were judged at the state level, with state winners advancing to the national competition.
Speakers included:
- Seth Magaziner, RI General Treasurer
- Michael McAteer, National Grid Director of Commercial Energy Efficiency Services
- Nicholas Ucci, Deputy Commissioner of OER
- Barbara Cesaro, RI NEED Project Coordinator
This year was the first time that students participated in the awards ceremony with their own speaking presentations. Hearing directly from the students made the ceremony extra special.
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Leading by Example: The Virks Building
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Built in 1936, the historic Virks building, located in Cranston, served as an institutional hospital for 78 years. Renovations from 2014 to 2017 upgraded the facility and transformed it into the new home for the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
The Department of Administration, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) went above and beyond code to bring the building into the future with energy efficiency improvements:
- Building envelope upgrades to provide additional insulation to walls, the roof and windows, resulting in significant natural gas savings.
- High-efficiency lighting for the entire building.
- Daylight harvesting controls and light occupancy sensors.
- Energy efficient heating, cooling, ventilation and plumbing systems.
These measures save 121,821 kWh of electricity per year (24 percent of the building baseline) and 4,050 therms of natural gas (a 15 percent savings).
The State's
Lead by Example initiative promotes the adoption of clean energy measures across public sector facilities and state agencies. State and municipal employees are helping to reduce energy costs and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with Rhode Island's economic, energy and environmental goals. DCAMM and 10 other state government agencies, quasi-public agencies and municipalities were recognized for their energy achievements during the inaugural
Lead by Example Awards ceremony in April.
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Energy Efficiency Council hosts planning retreat
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The Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council held its annual retreat in June to educate members about least cost procurement and brainstorm ways to advance efficiency in Rhode Island.
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Solar Day at Belcourt of Newport
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Commissioner Carol Grant appeared on a live Renewable Now Network broadcast to celebrate the completion of a solar array and geothermal heating and cooling system at Belcourt of Newport.
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Fuel Cell Cars visit Rhode Island
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Representatives from California's automobile industry visited Rhode Island to share lessons learned and help state leaders plan for the arrival of fuel cell vehicles.
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UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
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July 11
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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July 20
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
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1 Capitol Hill, Second Floor, Conf. Room A, Providence, RI
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July 24
4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
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1 Capitol Hill, Second Floor, Conf. Room A, Providence, RI
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Would you like to add your energy-related event to our calendar? Send the details and event URL to our editor at robert.beadle@energy.ri.gov.
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