Energy Efficiency Policy in Rhode Island

Substantial increases in Rhode Island's electric efficiency investments from $14 million (2008) to $44 million (2011) place RI in the top five states nationally in terms of per capita spending on efficiency programs, and could generate more than $100 million in savings for residential and business customers. A second three-year efficiency plan is currently in development.

Below are some of the policies and programs under which Rhode Island promotes energy efficiency:
  • Utilities are required to promote "the procurement of energy efficiency and energy conservation measures that are prudent and reliable and when such measures are lower cost than acquisition of additional supply, including supply for periods of high demand"
  • Utility programs funded through a Systems Benefit Charge (SBC) increased to 3.2 mills/kWh mills from electric sales and a $0.15 charge from natural gas sales
  • Performance incentives triggered when the utility reaches specific energy savings goals
  • Revenue decoupling is authorized by the Legislature for electric and natural gas sales
  • The Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council (EERMC) provides oversight for and input in the state's efficiency programs.

 

State OfficesRhode Island also has mandatory building energy codes that require residential and commercial buildings to comply with IECC 2009. The Green Building Act of 2009 also requires that state buildings meet U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver status or equivalent.


Promoting Energy Efficiency in Rhode Island

NEEP Comments to Legislature on Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs (January 2011)

NEEP Comments to Governor Lincoln Chafee on Energy Efficiency Policy (12/10/2010)

NEEP provided comments to new Governor Lincoln Chafee on how best to tap the potential of energy efficiency in Rhode Island and to continue the progress that the state has made to create energy savings.

NEEP Sends Letter of Support for Decoupling Bill in Rhode Island

 

State Offices

Public Utilities Commission
Office of Energy Resources

Program Administrator

National Grid

Key Policies

Comprehensive Energy Conservation, Efficiency and Affordability Act of 2006
Three Year Energy Efficiency Savings Goals, 2012-2014, PUC Order (July 2011)
Public Law 15 of 2010, Relating to Revenue Decoupling

Executive Order 5: Energy Efficient State Buildings

For more information including policy updates, news and other resources, please visit our Tracking and Reporting Section.