R.I. expands statewide clean energy initiative with Charge Up!

CAROL GRANT, commissioner of the R.I. Office of Energy Resources, said,  “Charge Up! is one more example of the administration’s commitment to lead by example through its support for public sector adoption of sustainable transportation solutions and infrastructure.” / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
CAROL GRANT, commissioner of the R.I. Office of Energy Resources, said, “Charge Up! is one more example of the administration’s commitment to lead by example through its support for public sector adoption of sustainable transportation solutions and infrastructure.” / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island has launched an incentive program for state and municipal agencies to purchase electric vehicles and install electric charging stations as part of a statewide clean energy initiative.
The “Charge Up! Rhode Island Vehicle Electrification Incentive Program” provides eligible public sector entities up to $60,000 to pay toward electric vehicle charging stations at publicly accessible locations. Those who install a minimum of one charging station through the program could also qualify for up to $15,000 to pay toward the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle. Proceeds from the state’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction, a nine-state, carbon cap-and-trade system known better as “RGGI,” is funding the program.
“Governor [Gina M.] Raimondo has recognized the potential for significant energy, economic and environmental benefits derived from the increased adoption of clean transportation and energy alternatives,” said Carol Grant, commissioner of the R.I. Office of Energy Resources, the state division heading the program. “Charge Up! is one more example of the administration’s commitment to lead by example through its support for public sector adoption of sustainable transportation solutions and infrastructure.”
The new program stems from Raimondo’s executive order, “Clean Energy Lead by Example Initiative,” which, among other things, calls for at least 25 percent of the state’s new, light-duty fleet purchases and leases be zero-emission vehicles by 2025. The state’s energy division estimates the transportation sector in Rhode Island releases 4.5 million tons of carbon emissions each year, and accounts for 40 percent of statewide energy expenditures.
While only public entities are eligible for the new program, its launch comes seven months after the introduction of Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification, or DRIVE, an incentive program designed for consumers to buy or lease electric vehicles. The state says that program has helped finance more than 75 electric vehicles.

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