RhodeIslandOER

Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Statement on Revolution Wind First Power Milestone: The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources today recognized the first power milestone from the Revolution Wind offshore wind project, which has begun delivering energy into the electric grid. The project, located approximately 15 miles south of Rhode Island in federal waters, represents a major accomplishment as construction moves toward completion later this year. Rhode Island has contracted 400 megawatts of the project’s capacity, with Connecticut contracting the remaining 304 megawatts. "This is a significant moment for the state’s clean energy landscape, over eight years in the making since the multi-state offshore wind procurement efforts began," said Chris Kearns, Acting Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources. "Revolution Wind will provide a valuable new resource to our energy system, deliver important emission reductions and further diversify our state and region’s energy generation portfolio.”

OER’s Lead by Example program, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, has installed three Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at the Cranston office of the Attorney General. The stations are now active and available to the public, supporting the continued expansion of EV charging infrastructure across Rhode Island. The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 400 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to taking 93 gasoline-powered cars off the road for one year. Installing these charging stations supports OER’s work to expand transportation electrification as a strategy for reducing emissions. Learn more about the Lead by Example program and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

The Lead by Example team at the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, working with the West Warwick School District, has awarded a contract for heat pump water heater upgrades at multiple school facilities. The project will replace outdated, failing water heaters with modern heat pump models at Wakefield Hills Elementary School, Maisie Quinn Elementary School, and West Warwick High School. Once completed, the upgrades will reduce energy use, remove failed fossil fuel equipment from the schools and improve the efficiency and comfort of building heating systems. Learn more about Lead by Example and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

The Lead by Example team at the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, working with the Central Falls School District, has awarded a contract for heat pump water heater upgrades and a building automation system upgrade. The project will replace outdated, failing water heaters with modern heat pump models at Calcutt Middle School, Ella Risk Elementary School and Veterans Elementary School. A new building automation system will also be installed at Veterans Elementary School. Once completed, the upgrades will reduce energy use, remove failed fossil fuel equipment from the schools and improve the efficiency and comfort of building heating and cooling systems. Learn more about Lead by Example and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

In our latest State Solar Savings Report for the month of January 2026, state-owned solar panels and wind turbines produced 49 MWh of electricity, saving $9,800 and preventing 23 tons of CO₂ emissions. That is equivalent to: Taking 5 cars off the road for a year Charging 2,995,083 smartphones Replacing 12,621,589 AA batteries

Many Rhode Islanders across our state are hurting in the wake of the tragic shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena. We’ve launched a statewide virtual support hub with mental health supports, domestic violence resources and other guidance. Visit: Governor.RI.gov/SupportHub

In our latest State Solar Savings Report for the month of December 2025, state-owned solar panels produced 46 MWh of electricity, saving $9,180 and preventing 22 tons of CO₂ emissions. That is equivalent to: Powering 1,590 homes for a day Charging 2,805,356 smartphones Saving 27 barrels of oil

The OER Lead by Example (LBE) Projects Dashboard has been updated through the end of 2025 to reflect all ongoing or completed LBE projects, long-term energy savings to state agencies, municipalities and schools and emission reduction efforts. To explore LBE projects that are currently in progress or already complete across state buildings, public schools, municipalities, and aiding in the expansion of state EV charging infrastructure and implementation of widespread LED lighting conversions across Rhode Island, visit: energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample/…

The Lead by Example team at the Office of Energy Resources has awarded a contract for a comprehensive LED lighting upgrade at Times2 Academy Charter School in Providence. The project will replace outdated and failing fixtures with modern LED lighting and integrated controls throughout the school. Once completed, the upgrade will improve lighting quality in classrooms and hallways while reducing energy use and improving overall visibility across the facility. Learn more about Lead by Example and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

LED Lighting Upgrade Completed at Beacon Academy of the Arts OER’s Lead by Example team, working with the Beacon Academy of the Arts charter school, has finished a major LED lighting upgrade at the School. The project replaced failing, outdated fixtures with efficient LED lighting and integrated controls. The improvements enhance visibility, reduce energy costs, and create a brighter, more reliable learning environment for students and teachers. Over the life of the new equipment, the upgrade is expected to avoid over 660 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the electricity use of about 75 homes. It is also projected to save more than $170,000 in energy costs. Learn more about Lead by Example and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

LED Lighting Upgrade Completed at North Smithfield Air Guard Base OER’s Lead by Example team, working with the Rhode Island Air National Guard, has finished a major LED lighting upgrade at the North Smithfield base. The project replaced failing, outdated fixtures with efficient LED lighting and integrated controls. The improvements enhance visibility, strengthen security, and create a brighter, more reliable environment for personnel inside the facility and across the grounds and runways. Over the life of the new equipment, the upgrade is expected to avoid nearly 2,600 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual electricity use of about 542 homes. It is also projected to save more than $675,000 in energy costs. Learn more about Lead by Example and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

Power to the People: How Our Energy Use Affects the Environment Join the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council for a bilingual Speaker’s Program on how everyday energy choices impact the environment and what resources are available to Rhode Islanders. Savannah Goncalves from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources will present an overview of OER programs, with a focus on the federal Home Energy Rebates (HEAR) program, alongside Chris Gaynor from the RI Department of Environmental Management. Wednesday, January 14 6–8 p.m. Attend in person: United Way of Rhode Island 50 Valley Street, Providence Free food and childcare provided, ADA accessible Or join by Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/86841550342 Meeting ID: 868 4155 0342 Passcode: 713696 This event will be held in English and Spanish and is open to the public.

The EVSE on State Property dashboard is now updated with data from November and December. You can now see the latest numbers on electricity use, emissions avoided, site-level charging activity, and how Rhode Island’s EV charging network is growing. Explore the dashboard here: energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample/…

In our latest State Solar Savings Report for the month of November 2025, state-owned solar panels produced 64 MWh of electricity, saving $12,750 and preventing 30.55 tons of CO₂ emissions. That is equivalent to: • Driving an EV across the U.S. 97 times • Power 76 homes for a month • Taking 7 cars off the road • Saving 38 barrels of oil

The Lead by Example team, working with the Foster Public School District, has completed an LED lighting upgrade at Isaac Paine Elementary School. The project replaced failing, outdated fixtures with efficient LED lighting and integrated controls, improving visibility and creating a brighter, more consistent learning environment for students and staff. Over the life of the new equipment, the upgrade is expected to avoid nearly 250 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual electricity use of about 52 homes. It is also projected to save more than $63,000 in energy costs. Learn more about Lead by Example and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

LED Lighting Retrofit Completed at the Rhode Island State House A brighter and more efficient State House is here. OER’s Lead by Example program, working with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, has completed an interior LED lighting upgrade across offices, hallways, and legislative chambers. Staff and visitors will notice clearer visibility and a cleaner, more consistent light throughout the building. The project is expected to save more than $800,000 in energy costs over the life of the equipment and reduce an estimated 3,288 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the annual electricity use of about 685 homes. The work also builds on earlier LED improvements to the State House exterior and parking areas, continuing the shift toward efficient lighting at one of Rhode Island’s most historic buildings. Learn more about Lead by Example and explore the program dashboard at energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample

If you're interested in how Rhode Island is working to make our energy programs more accessible and equitable, URI Cooperative Extension is hosting an important talk on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Power for All: Tackling Energy Inequity Through Community Collaboration Location: URI Higgins Welcome Center Livestream available The session will examine why many high-burden households still don’t participate in energy-efficiency programs and how new community-driven efforts are addressing those barriers. Speakers include representatives from the RI Energy Efficiency Council, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, RI Energy, and URI Cooperative Extension. The event is free and open to the public. Spanish translation, dessert, and warm beverages provided. RSVP: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

The EVSE on State Property dashboard is now updated with October’s data. You can now see the latest numbers on electricity use, emissions avoided, site-level charging activity, and how Rhode Island’s EV charging network is growing. Explore the dashboard here: energy.ri.gov/leadbyexample/…