In January 2020, Governor Gina M. Raimondo called for Rhode Island to become the first state in the nation to meet 100% of its electricity demand with renewables by 2030. Now, a new report issued by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) details analysis and pathways to reach that bold, but achievable goal.
A clean, affordable, and reliable electric system – powered by renewables – is vital to reducing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to climate change and harmful public health impacts. It will also enable broader GHG reductions across Rhode Island's heating and transportation sectors over time, while driving local investment and job growth.
The report includes 10 recommendations for policy, planning and enabling, and equity, including calls for a 100% Renewable Energy Standard and extension of the state's Least-Cost Procurement and Energy Efficiency statute.