The latest in Rhode Island energy news
State launches Electrify RI electric vehicle charging station incentive program
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources has 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 will help 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. Incentives will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Organizations that wish to apply for Electrify RI incentives should review program documentation to ensure they meet applicable eligibility criteria.

Program guidance documents and incentive applications are available at:  http://www.energy.ri.gov/electrifyri.php.
Rhode Island's first community solar project opens
Earlier this fall, OER participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the start of operations for the state's first community solar project under the Community Remote Net Metering Pilot Program.

Located in Burrillville, the 3.307 megawatts (MW) community solar project was developed by ISM Solar Development of East Providence and will be operated by Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC of Summit, New Jersey. This carbon-free energy resource will provide community access to solar power without the need for subscribing homeowners and renters to install solar panels themselves.

In November, Nautilus Solar held a ground-breaking ceremony for the largest community solar project in Rhode Island. At 12.4 megawatts, it will supply power to about 3,000 homes, and it is expected to be operational by the start of 2021.
Rhode Island continues to be a national leader in cost-effective energy efficiency
For the third consecutive year, Rhode Island has ranked third in the nation for energy efficiency programs and policies, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

The annual ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard assesses state policies and programs that improve energy efficiency in our homes, businesses, industries and transportation systems. Cost-effective energy efficiency is a critical tool for putting downward pressure on electric and natural gas prices, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and spurring economic growth in the clean energy economy. Rhode Island has ranked in the top 10 for the past 11 years.

The full report may be downloaded here, and Rhode Island's scorecard may be downloaded here.
Becca Trietch, OER energy efficiency administrator, featured in Providence Business News
Our own Becca Trietch, OER's administrator of energy efficiency programs, was interviewed in the Providence Business News. In the article, she discussed why residents and businesses should be concerned with energy efficiency, how it will save them money, and what programs are available.
A transformation at Cranston Public Schools
A major transformation is underway at Cranston Public Schools. As one of the largest cities in Rhode Island, Cranston has 26 school buildings – many of them built between 50 and 70 years ago – and they are long overdue for an update.

But instead of simply bringing the schools up to modern building standards, Cranston is completely rethinking how a 21st century education should be delivered.

This fall, students at the Eden Park Elementary School started the year in a brand-new wing, which uses the most up-to-date energy efficiency practices, including R33 insulation in the walls, LED lighting, and a “smart” heating and cooling system, which runs on electricity and natural gas instead of using the older oil-powered system. The ability to regulate temperature is important for helping students stay focused on learning.

Most of Cranston’s older school buildings are unusable in the summer because they lack air conditioning. The Eden Park school, with its new HVAC system, can be used all year-round for education and special summer programs.

UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
December 3
12-1 p.m. & 7-8 p.m. (Two times)
Webinar: Electric Vehicles 101 - Green Energy Consumers Alliance
December 5 & 9
7-9:00 p.m.
Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center (URI Kingston Campus), 45 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI
December 10
12-1 p.m. & 7-8 p.m. (Two times)
December 12
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room 2A, Providence, RI
December 11
12:00-2:00 p.m.
University of Rhode Island - College of the Environment and Life Sciences Career Fair - (OER will be exhibiting for clean energy internships)
CBLS - 2nd Floor, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI
December 13
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Heating Sector Transformation Initiative Public Meeting
Department of Administration, One Capitol Hill, 2nd Floor, Conference Room B, 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 .