R.I. Government Agencies | Privacy Policy |
Rhode Island Energy Independence 1
RIWINDS (Rhode Island Energy Independence 1, Phase I, Siting Study)
Tim Howe, Program Manager
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources promotes Energy Efficiency through Performance Contracting, Utility Based Incentives Programs, Energy Outreach and facilitating initiatives that save energy and energy dollars for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders.
RI General Laws 39-27 et seq. Specifically establishes minimum efficiency standards for certain product types of new products sold, offered for sale, or installed in the state of Rhode Island. The Office of Energy Resources is responsible for certification that such products are in compliance pursuant to chapter 39-27-8.
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources supports energy code activities by submitting grants to the U.S. Department of Energy on behalf of energy code issues. The Rhode Island Building Code Commission has adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Copies of the code maybe purchased online through the International Code Council (ICC) at www.iccsafe.org , or other retail outlets. The Rhode Island Amendments to this code can be downloaded or purchased directly at the Building Code Commissioners Office at One Capital Hill, Providence, RI 02908.
Further questions on the adopted code should be directed to the Building Code Commission Office at 401-222-3529. Visit www.energycodes.gov to download Prescriptive Packages for energy codes or to receive computerized compliance tools.
Office of Energy Resources Contact:
Tim Howe
401-574-9104
TimH@energy.ri.gov
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources(Office of Energy Resources) endorses Performance Contracting, using Energy Services Companies(ESCO), as an effective way to achieve comprehensive energy savings, replace old equipment and modernize facilities to hedge against the inevitable rise in energy costs. The office is committed in assisting Commercial and Industrial facilities, government agencies and not for profit institutions to have access to the capitol and/or project management resources needed to implement cost effective energy efficiency and related facility improvements. The State of Rhode Island has developed a standard contract and may be downloaded on the Office of Energy Resources's Web site for your use in a Performance Contract. The Office of Energy Resources has pre-qualified 4 Energy Services Companies and has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to expand the number of firms in the business of providing Performance Contracting Services.
In 1991, the Energy Conservation Revolving Loan Fund was created with monies provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Fund became an important vehicle for state agencies to conduct cost-effective energy conservation activities as utility company rebates were paying less and less of the share of the projects as part of their Demand Side Management Programs. In 1995, legislation was signed by the Governor which added the availability of funding water conservation, and water and sewer cost reduction measures.
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources expanded the Revolving Loan Program to include municipalities effective January 1, 1999. Direct funding from DOE for the Institutional Conservation Program (ICP), a 50-50 matching grant for schools, was eliminated and is now replaced with the Fund to create a self-perpetuating fund not only for state agencies but also municipal buildings. In addition, the Fund began funding the incremental cost of alternatively fueled vehicles effective January 1, 1999.
The Office of Energy Resources is interested in receiving proposals from municipalities that wish to implement energy and/or water conservation projects within their facilities, or purchase alternatively fueled vehicles and fund these projects using the Energy Revolving Loan Fund. The utility companies also offer incentive programs to help defray the cost of these projects. The Fund is a low-cost funding mechanism which helps create a positive cash flow in utility budgets.
Develop and implement energy programs that are consistent with other state policies and programs by working with DOT, Budget, Purchasing, DEM and DOA to comply with Clean Air Amendments and the Energy Policy Act which promotes the use of alternatively fueled vehicles. Operate as liaison to all national, regional, state, and local organizations whose activities effect, development and implementation of these programs within the state. In addition, OER is a member of the Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition (OSCC).
The Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition was formed in 1998 under the auspices of the U.S. Departments of Energy to expand the use of alternatives to gasoline and diesel fuel. The Rhode Island Office Of Energy Resources is a stakeholder in the coalition and is the primary point of contact to the Department of Energy and Federal Highway for the submission of grants to support our mission of the expanding use of alternative fuels and improving Rhode Island’s air quality.
Visit www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/ for further information.
Tim Howe
Telephone (401) 574-9104
Email: TimH@energy.ri.gov