The RI Office of Energy Resources Watt's Up Rhode Island newsletter celebrates inspiring stories of people in the Ocean State who are leading the way by adopting clean energy.

Would you like to be featured in our next edition?

Contact us at energy.media@energy.ri.gov.

Rhode Island College installs upward facing LED lighting in Murray Center with help from OER

The Office of Energy Resources (OER) has taken on a significant energy efficiency project with RIC to replace existing lighting systems with state-of-the-art LED fixtures and integrated controls across four major facilities: the Murray Center, Clark Science Lecture Halls, Fogarty Auditorium, and Penfield Hall.

The gymnasium has converted 64 lighting fixtures to LEDs that face upward using the ceiling's white paint to reflect light back onto the court, providing indirect lighting that does not shine directly in players' eyes. This new lighting will not only improve the players’ and spectators’ experience, but it will also provide RIC with major energy savings.

VIDEO: E-Bikes Across Rhode Island: Meet Elizabeth

OER has been traveling around Rhode Island to interview recipients of the Erika Niedowski Electric Bike Rebate Program, which offers standard and income-qualified rebates for electric bikes. These bikes offer enhanced speed and distance compared to conventional bikes while still providing exercise and the joy of biking.

Elizabeth Petersen has enjoyed e-biking in Newport for many years. Recently, she purchased her very own e-bike, which she utilizes for both commuting and recreation activities, thanks to OER's e-bike rebate initiative.

Rhode Island State Police installs LEDs and Heat Pumps with help from OER 

The Rhode Island State Police and OER have been working together to implement energy efficiency upgrades to multiple State Police facilities.

In May, 2023, the State Police received an award at the sixth annual Lead by Example awards due to their contribution to decarbonizing Rhode Island. This project focused on converting the Rhode Island State Police Public Safety complex to LED lights with integrated controls, making the facility 100 percent LED and saving the state over $45,000 per year in energy costs.

See the award video here.

Would you like to add your energy-related project? Send your info to energy.media@energy.ri.gov.