Rhode Island ranked high on WalletHub’s latest study on energy efficiency by state in the United States: sixth in the country and third in the Northeast after New York and Vermont, as reported in Providence Business News.
The study looked at home and car efficiency, but the finance site was quick to point out the impact of energy efficiency efforts on the economy and the pressing issue of climate change.
“According to a McKinsey & Company report, an estimated $520 billion initial investment on energy efficiency measures could save the economy more than $1.2 trillion in the future and potentially reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 gigatons,” WalletHub reported.
Rhode Island continues to make great strides in reducing energy costs and consumption. Earlier today, and coinciding with National Energy Awareness Month, the Commerce Corporation, with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and SmartPower, announced the third phase of the successful Solarize Rhode Island program. The municipalities of Barrington, Foster, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, South Kingstown and Warwick have been selected to participate in the program.
RI Commerce Corporation President and COO Darin Early announces the phase three launch of Solarize Rhode Island.
The first two phases of the campaign generated positive results. North Smithfield stepped up as the first phase town and saw 84 contracts signed to install 623 kilowatts of small-scale solar. Most recently, Tiverton and Little Compton doubled their number of solar installations during phase two of the program. This success also creates positive awareness for the use of residential and commercial solar, wherein residents and business owners can mitigate the thousands of dollars spent on energy costs to create predictable and efficient energy use.
The Commerce Corporation can help both residents and companies hedge their energy costs while creating electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable way and increasing the green technology and energy industries in Rhode Island through the Renewable Energy Fund (REF). What many do not realize is they are already paying into the REF through a surcharge on their electric bills, and the fund is available to assist anyone in installing a solar energy system for their home or business.
If you are a resident or small business in Foster, Warwick, South Kingstown, Barrington, Portsmouth, Middletown or Newport, we encourage you to learn more about Solarize Rhode Island and how it can benefit you. We also encourage you to contact our REF Project Coordinator to learn more about REF and how you can own your power.
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