The latest in Rhode Island energy news
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Raimondo sets goal for 100% renewable electricity by 2030
On January 17, Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order committing Rhode Island to be powered by 100 percent renewable electricity by the end of the decade. Her executive order directs the state's Office of Energy Resources to conduct an economic and energy market analysis and develop actionable policies and programs to reach this bold but achievable goal.

Over the coming months, the Office of Energy Resources will conduct energy and economic analysis as it works to develop policy and programmatic solutions to achieve the Governor's goal and advance the state's economic, energy and environmental interests. Stakeholder participation will be a key component of this work to help inform realistic pathways that work for Rhode Islanders, while driving the state toward a lower-carbon electric supply.

The Office of Energy Resources' final report is due by December 31, 2020. The full text of the executive order may be found here.
Rhode Island expands clean energy portfolio with 50 MW solar project
On February 5, the Office of Energy Resources announced that a contract for 50 megawatts of cost-effective solar energy, projected to save local consumers more than $30 million over 20 years, has been filed with state regulators.

The project was selected as a result of a competitive market procurement issued by National Grid. For the first time in the state's history, all three Rhode Island electric utilities – National Grid, Pascoag Utility District and Block Island Utility District – have agreed to share the project's output. The contract is now subject to review and approval by the Public Utilities Commission.
State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant steps down; Nicholas Ucci becomes Acting Commissioner
State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant stepped down from her role on January 10.

Under her direction and leadership, the State's clean energy portfolio increased eightfold from 100 megawatts in 2016 to 809 megawatts in 2019 and is on track for a tenfold increase by the end of 2020. This portfolio, when fully operational, will generate enough electricity to meet more than one-third of Rhode Island's usage annually. Rhode Island has also consistently ranked among the highest in the country for its comprehensive energy efficiency programs during the last three years.

Governor Raimondo has named Nicholas Ucci as Acting Energy Commissioner and has submitted his name to the Rhode Island Senate for advice and consent. Ucci has served as the Deputy Commissioner of OER since 2013, and he has supported the development of policies and programs that advance the energy, economic and environmental interests of the Ocean State. Prior to his role at OER, Ucci served as the chief policy advisor to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission and has 18 years of experience working throughout state government.
2020 Clean Energy Internship program seeking applications from companies and students
The 2020 Clean Energy Internship program is now accepting applications for both interested students and clean energy companies. 

Rhode Island’s clean energy industry has seen significant employment growth with an impressive 74 percent increase since 2014, counting over 16,021 green jobs. These include direct construction, engineering, research, policy, professional services, energy efficiency and more! The RI Clean Energy Internship program is designed to help provide internship opportunities in these careers. Students will be able to develop professionally under the mentorship of an industry partner to combat real-world problems in energy and the environment. 
 
Administered by the Office of Energy Resources and the Renewable Energy Fund, it works by matching students with eligible clean energy companies for a 12-week paid internship during the summer. Host companies are then reimbursed after the summer for the cost of the student's internship, up to $12 per hour for 12 weeks.
 
The Clean Energy Internship program was piloted during the summer of 2019 and placed seven student interns with six clean energy companies. For more information and the application for students and clean energy companies, click the button below.
Electrify RI electric vehicle charging station incentive program is still accepting applications
In October, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources launched Electrify RI, an electric vehicle (EV) charging station incentive program that seeks to make more charging stations accessible to Rhode Island drivers.

This $1.4 million incentive program is helping to fund the installation of new EV charging stations – including Level II and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) – at Rhode Island workplaces; multi-unit dwellings; and state, quasi and local government properties.

Electrify RI has been extremely successful. As of today, stations for workplaces and Level II public charging stations have been fully subscribed. However, funds are still available for DC public fast charge stations and Level II multi-unit dwelling stations.

Visit the Electrify RI webpage to download an application.
Efficient Buildings Fund scheduling free public sector energy audits
The Efficient Buildings Fund offers free building energy audits to municipalities, quasi-public agencies and public schools.

Winter is a great time for schools and other public facilities to conduct free energy audits, which can uncover inexpensive, easy-to-implement energy-saving measures as well as opportunities for consumption reductions. Whatever your facility – and whatever your energy-saving goals – energy audits are a simple way to get an energy “checkup.”

Request an audit by February 14 to prepare for the April funding round.
 
To schedule an audit at your school or municipal buildings, fill out this form.
Video Energy Profile: Legend's Creek Farm goes green
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. Check out the video to see how they did it!
UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
February 13
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room B, Providence, RI
February 20
8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Stormwater Innovation Center, Roger Williams Park Casino, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI
February 25
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
New England Institute of Technology, One New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, RI
February 27
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2A, Providence, RI
March 19
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2A, Providence, RI
April 2-5
(OER and EERMC will be exhibiting)
RI Convention Center, 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI
*Events are subject to change. Always check the event website for updated times, dates and location details before you attend.

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 .