The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps income-eligible households reduce their heating bills by providing whole house energy efficiency services. Services include installing insulation, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Eligibility Criteria- Households that qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Both homeowners and renters (with landlord approval) are eligible.
- Special accommodations are available for older adults, disabled individuals, non-English speakers, and those with literacy challenges.
Application Process- Applicants must first apply for LIHEAP through their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency.
- CAP agencies accept WAP applications year-round and provide safe intake locations.
- Contact your local CAP agency for assistance with the application process.
Incentive Details- Participants receive energy efficiency services aimed at reducing heating costs, which can lead to significant financial savings on energy bills.
Contact Information- For more information, contact your local Community Action Program agency.
- Application Mailing Address: RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787.
- Apply by Phone: 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347).
- For Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Dial 7-1-1.
- More information can be found on the RI Department of Human Services website: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/weatherization-assistance-program-wap.
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The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides financial assistance to Rhode Island households facing temporary crises that make them unable to meet current energy expenses. Established over 35 years ago, it aids those who do not qualify for state or federal aid, ensuring families can maintain warmth during challenging times.
Eligibility Criteria- Rhode Island residents who are experiencing financial hardship.
- Household income must not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level and be above the threshold for LIHEAP assistance.
- Documentation required includes financial hardship proof, photo ID, proof of income, proof of household members, and current heat-related utility bill.
- Households cannot receive assistance for more than one energy source (electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, wood, or wood by-products).
- Households that received assistance last campaign year must demonstrate a new financial hardship to qualify for assistance this year.
Application Process- Interested individuals should visit their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to apply.
- For assistance in locating a CAP agency, individuals can contact United Way 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website.
Incentive Details- Maximum grants for clients who receive LIHEAP assistance include:
- Electricity: $600
- Natural Gas: $500
- Oil: $825
- Propane: $825
- Wood/Wood Byproducts: $650
- Kerosene: $600
Contact Information- For more information, individuals can contact United Way of Rhode Island at:
- Phone: 2-1-1
- Address: 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909
- Website: http://unitedwayri.org
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The Renewable Energy Growth (REG) Program, administered by Rhode Island Energy, facilitates the development of distributed generation projects within Rhode Island, including technologies such as wind, solar, small-scale hydropower, and anaerobic digestion. Participants can sell the electricity they generate under long-term tariffs at fixed prices.
Eligibility Criteria- Homeowners and small commercial customers for small-scale projects (25kW and smaller).
- Businesses and organizations seeking to develop larger commercial-scale solar, hydro, wind, and anaerobic digester projects.
Application Process- Small-Scale REG Program: Opens annually on April 1st; applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until full subscription. Applications must be submitted electronically via RI Energy’s Interconnection Process Webpage, including a W-9 form.
- Commercial Scale REG Program: Applications must be submitted electronically during a designated two-week enrollment period.
Incentive Details- Participants can benefit from long-term tariffs that provide fixed prices for the electricity generated from eligible renewable energy projects.
Contact Information- General Inquiries: Chris Kearns: christopher.kearns@energy.ri.gov
- Shauna Beland (REG Quality Assurance Program): shauna.beland@energy.ri.gov
- Office Address: RI Office of Energy Resources, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
- Phone: (401) 574-9117
- Fax: (401) 574-9125
- Email: Energy.Resources@energy.ri.gov
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The Net Metering program allows customers with renewable energy systems to receive credits for power produced on-site, while the Virtual Net Metering program enables eligible customers to receive credits for power from renewable systems not located on their properties. Both programs promote the use of renewable energy in Rhode Island.
Eligibility Criteria- Individuals or entities with renewable energy systems installed on their premises for Net Metering.
- Systems must be sized to meet on-site loads based on a three-year average of electricity consumption.
- Eligible participants for Virtual Net Metering include state agencies, quasi-state agencies, municipalities, public housing authorities, public and private schools, non-profits, federal government, and hospitals.
Application Process- Interested participants should contact the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources for guidance on the application process.
- Specific steps and deadlines may vary, further details can be found on Rhode Island Energy's RI Net-Metering page.
Incentive Details- Participants can receive bill credits for all power generated by eligible renewable energy systems.
- Net Metering allows for credits up to 125% of on-site consumption during a billing period.
- Virtual Net Metering projects can be up to 10 MW per project site.
Contact Information- Acting Commissioner: Christopher Kearns
- Email: christopher.kearns@energy.ri.gov
- Office Address: RI Office of Energy Resources, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
- Phone: (401) 574-9117
- Fax: (401) 574-9125
- General Email: Energy.Resources@energy.ri.gov
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The Efficient Buildings Fund provides long-term financing options to municipalities and quasi-public agencies for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The program aims to support initiatives that conserve energy or produce clean energy.
Eligibility Criteria- Municipalities
- Quasi-public agencies
Application Process- Interested entities must submit project and financing applications to the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) and the Office of Energy Resources (OER).
- Projects are assessed based on their ranking on the Project Priority List, readiness to proceed, credit approval, and availability of funds.
- Loans can range from one year to the asset's useful life, with interest rates subsidized at 33% below the market rate.
Incentive Details- Loans are designed to be cashflow positive.
- Interest can be capitalized during the construction period.
- Free energy audits and consulting services may be available to assist with project scoping and applications.
Contact Information- Greg Miller, Business Development Officer, Email: gmiller@riib.org
- Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, 275 Promenade Street, Suite 301, Providence, RI 02908, Phone: (401) 453-4430, Email: info@riib.org
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This program offers exclusive rebates for Rhode Island Energy customers who purchase high-efficiency natural gas heating equipment. Its purpose is to help customers save money on their heating costs and contribute to energy conservation.
Eligibility Criteria- Must be a customer of Rhode Island Energy.
- Individuals or entities purchasing qualifying high-efficiency gas heating equipment.
Application Process- Download the rebate application from the Rhode Island Energy website.
- Determine eligibility based on the purchased equipment.
- Submit the application to claim the rebate.
- Check your rebate status online if you have already submitted your application.
- Specific deadlines for applications may apply, and it is advisable to check the website for updates.
Incentive Details- Rebates can reach up to $1,000 for combination gas heating and water heating units.
- Rebates of up to $800 are available for boilers.
- Rebates of up to $550 for high-efficiency furnaces.
- Participants can save up to 30% on their heating costs through these upgrades.
Contact Information- For further inquiries, customers can visit the Rhode Island Energy website or contact their customer service.
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This program offers financial rebates and incentives for Rhode Island Energy customers who purchase ENERGY STAR® certified appliances. The goal is to help customers save money on energy bills while promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Eligibility Criteria- Open to all new or existing residential customers of Rhode Island Energy.
Application Process- Customers must apply for rebates after purchasing ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
- Applications can be submitted online or by mail.
- Specific rebates are available for various appliances, with details provided on the Rhode Island Energy website.
- Customers can check their rebate status online.
Incentive Details- Rebates are provided for various ENERGY STAR certified appliances:
- Clothes Dryers: $50 rebate
- Air Cleaners/Purifiers: $40 rebate
- Air Conditioners: $40 rebate
- Dehumidifiers: $30 rebate
- Instant price discounts are also available at participating retailers (e.g., Lowe's, Home Depot) for specific ENERGY STAR products:
- $25 instant rebate on ENERGY STAR Most Efficient clothes washers, dryers, and refrigerators
- $15 instant rebate on Most Efficient dehumidifiers and room air conditioners
Contact Information- For more information, customers can visit the Rhode Island Energy website or contact their customer service through the provided channels on the website.
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The RNC program by Rhode Island Energy supports builders and homeowners in creating energy-efficient homes. It aims to enhance comfort, improve indoor air quality, and reduce energy costs through financial incentives, education, training, and technical support. The program ensures that new constructions and major renovations meet high energy performance standards.
Eligibility Criteria- Homeowners and builders of single-family and multi-family homes looking to build or renovate.
- Projects that aim to meet specific energy efficiency standards, including certifications like ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready, and Phius.
Application Process- Interested participants can start by calling 1-888-887-8841 or downloading the program description for detailed information.
- It is recommended to engage with a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater to assess energy efficiency design and verify compliance throughout the construction process.
Incentive Details- Higher financial incentives are provided for homes achieving greater energy efficiency.
- Additional rewards are available for certifications such as ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready, and compliance with the Rhode Island Residential Stretch Code.
Contact Information- For further information, contact Rhode Island Energy at 1-888-887-8841 or visit their website to download the program description.
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The Appliance Recycling Program offered by Rhode Island Energy aims to assist customers in reducing energy costs by recycling inefficient appliances, specifically dehumidifiers, refrigerators, and freezers. The program provides financial rebates for participants who turn in their old, working appliances at designated events.
Eligibility Criteria- Residential customers of Rhode Island Energy.
- Individuals with old, working dehumidifiers, refrigerators, or freezers to recycle.
Application Process- Participants can turn in their old dehumidifiers at scheduled events.
- Upcoming recycling events are listed with dates and locations where participants can drop off their appliances.
- Note: The refrigerator and freezer pick-up service is currently paused due to vendor resource challenges. Participants needing assistance should email energyefficiency@RIEnergy.com with their service address.
Incentive Details- Participants receive a $30 rebate for each dehumidifier turned in at the recycling events.
Contact Information- For further information, participants can email energyefficiency@RIEnergy.com.
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