Energy Efficiency Program Plan approved for R.I.

PROVIDENCE – The state Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the 2015-2017 Energy Efficiency Program Plan for Rhode Island on Thursday.
The three-year plan features goals and strategies for saving energy and reducing bills to allow Rhode Island to provide low-cost, clean energy to homes and businesses.
It was developed with the Acadia Center, the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, the Office of Energy Resources, the Energy Council of Rhode Island, Consumers’ Energy Alliance and National Grid, according to a press release from Acadia Center.
Acadia represents environmental interests on the state’s Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, which provides independent input and oversight to National Grid’s electric and natural gas efficiency programs.
Since 2008, Rhode Island has invested about $558 million in cost-effective energy efficiency, with consumers realizing approximately $1.9 billion in benefits.
By investing in as much low-cost energy efficiency as possible, Rhode Island is reducing the cost of doing business in the state and leaving consumers with more money in their pockets.
Acadia said that every dollar invested in cost-effective energy efficiency boosts the Rhode Island gross state product an estimated $3.60 and that every $1 million invested in energy efficiency generates almost 40 job years of employment.
If fully implemented, the 2015-2017 Energy Efficiency Procurement Plan will boost Rhode Island’s economy by $1.27 billion.

The R.I. Division of Public Utilities commissioned Synapse Energy Economics to analyze how energy efficiency affects electric bills.
The analysis found that a homeowner who gets a home energy assessment can save approximately 12 percent on an electric bill by replacing inefficient lighting and appliances, and upgrading home insulation and weatherization.
“By approving the 2015-2017 Energy Efficiency Procurement Plan, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission took another big step to ensure that [Rhode Island] continues its nation-leading levels of energy savings. Energy efficiency lowers the cost of doing business in Rhode Island and puts money back in the wallets of all consumers,” Acadia Center President Dan Sosland said in a statement.

Last week, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy announced that Rhode Island earned a third place ranking in the annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The Scorecard ranks states in six energy saving categories; in the category for utility energy efficiency programs and policies, Rhode Island tied for first with Massachusetts.

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