Partnership in Action: Rhode Island’s State + Utility Energy Efficiency Story

In 2016 the State of Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and Rhode Island Energy (distribution utility) began a Strategic Energy Management Partnership (SEMP). The goal is to deliver comprehensive energy efficiency to the public sector. State, public school, and municipal buildings benefit from the combined technical, financial, procurement, and project management support. By supporting the full energy projects lifecycle, the SEMP bridges resource gaps, builds lasting partnerships, and educates key public sector actors through clean energy implementation. The partnership leverages resources from additional entities such as the RI Infrastructure Bank, School Building Authority, and US Department of Energy to enhance utility incentives and State funding.

Through an iterative, trial and error process, we have tailored processes to enable the entire energy efficiency lifecycle. This includes energy assessments, engineering support to develop/design projects, procurement support to enable execution, and funding to cover implementation costs. One example of this collaboration in action is a public schools initiative focused on LED lighting and high efficiency HVAC in RI’s environmental justice communities.

Lessons learned and case studies from the ongoing 8+ year collaboration demonstrate the value to all parties involved and the contribution to Rhode Island’s Clean Energy and Climate Goals.