OER News: New Energy Initiatives, Offshore Wind Opportunities, and Winter Savings for Rhode Islanders

The latest in State Energy News

Governor McKee Announces Additional Measures to Combat Winter Heating Costs

Governor Dan McKee and the Office of Energy Resources (OER) announced they are taking action to provide relief on winter heating costs for Rhode Islanders following this morning’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) vote on winter electric rates.

The Administration announced $3 million in funding for direct rate relief to low-income Rhode Island residents for the upcoming winter season. Additionally, there will be a freeze on the utility gross receipts tax collected on all residential and small businesses utility bills from December 2023 and March 2024. Governor McKee proposed this freeze in the FY24 budget.

The $3 million in rate relief funding, from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), is expected to support approximately 38,900 low-income residents across the State. The RGGI rate relief over a three-month utility billing period will provide approximately $26 dollar savings per month.

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut Sign First-Time Agreement for Multi-State Offshore Wind Procurement

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut have announced New England's first offshore wind multi-state coordination Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU is unprecedented in the United States.

Through this agreement, the three states will collaboratively seek multi-state offshore wind proposals that can maximize regional benefits, reduce costs through scaled development, and evolve into viable projects. This coordination will amplify regional economic development, generate high-paying jobs, and promote environmental justice and equity.

Governor McKee Announces New Opportunity to Bring Approximately 1200 Megawatts of New Offshore Wind to Rhode Island

Governor Dan McKee announced that Rhode Island Energy, the state's leading energy utility, will issue a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit approximately 1200 megawatts of new offshore wind energy. This initiative will help meet the state’s clean energy requirements.

The RFP was issued in October, and proposals are due in early 2024. A potential selection is expected by summer 2024. The new RFP aligns with similar procurement efforts in Massachusetts and Connecticut, thereby fostering a unique opportunity for the offshore wind industry and achieving economies of scale across southern New England. Responses to the RFP will be evaluated by Rhode Island Energy, in consultation with the Office of Energy Resources and the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.

New England States Issue Invitation for Innovative Project Design Concepts to Enhance Grid Resilience & Reliability

A coalition of New England states, including Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire, have jointly announced a call for project proposals aimed at securing federal funding and advancing regional collaboration on grid infrastructure. Supported by the Vermont Department of Public Service, these states have issued an Invitation for Innovative Project Design Concepts to solicit proposals for an anticipated second round of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Innovation Program (GIP) funding.

Administered through the DOE's $10.5 billion Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, the GIP aims to fund projects that enhance grid reliability and resilience through advanced technologies, innovative partnerships, and strategic approaches. The deadline for concept submissions is October 20, 2023.

Governor McKee Endorses State Climate Panel’s $2.6 Million Spending Plan

Governor Dan McKee has endorsed actions by the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) to approve a $2.6 million spending plan across various state agencies, aimed at supporting Rhode Island's Act on Climate law implementation.

The EC4 is statutorily charged with assessing state efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mobilizing government agencies to participate in GHG reduction, and strengthening the resilience of Rhode Island communities against the impacts of climate change. For the first time, the EC4 received direct funding in the state budget, which was approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly and signed into law by Governor McKee in June.

Funding will be allocated to various state agencies, including $1.1 million for the Office of Energy Resources (OER) to continue the DRIVE EV and E-bike rebate programs. Additionally, the OER will receive $150,000 to aid municipalities in participating in state energy programs. The Department of Environmental Management will receive $220,000 for urban tree cover investments and other statewide climate resilience priorities.

Energy Explained RI: Using Demand Response for Clean, Affordable Power

Decarbonization is crucial for mitigating climate change, and the transition is already underway. You can contribute by making your home more energy-efficient, transitioning from fossil fuel-based vehicles and appliances to electric alternatives, and opting for renewable energy sources.

For more information and resources, visit rieermc.ri.gov.

The "Energy Explained RI" video series takes an in-depth look at energy issues affecting Rhode Island. This series is brought to you by the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.