Rhode Island

Energy efficiency

Clean energy and efficiency spared in Rhode Island budget process

The state legislature rebuked Democratic Gov. Dan McKee’s effort to roll back emissions targets and funding for energy efficiency in the name of affordability.

By Dan McCarthy, Sarah Shemkus .

10 June 2026

Man in white shirt and dark suit seemingly on a balcony — Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee poses for a portrait on April 15, 2026. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Heat pumps

New winter rates saved at least $37M for Massachusetts heat-pump owners

Rhode Island and New York are in the early stages of considering similar discounts for households that install the electric, clean-heating technology.

By Sarah Shemkus . 30 April 2026
Climate crisis

States push climate superfund bills despite Trump’s opposition

The legislation would make oil and gas firms pay for climate damages from burning their products. Trump has referred to such laws as “extortion.”

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 February 2026
Energy efficiency

Cuts to Rhode Island energy-efficiency plan bad for residents, study says

Rhode Island has long led on efficiency. A proposal to slash funding may cost the state $90 million in benefits — while saving each household less than $2 a month.

By Sarah Shemkus . 22 September 2025
Offshore wind

Trump admin halts construction of nearly finished offshore wind farm

Ørsted's Revolution Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is hit with a stop-work order over vague "national security" concerns.

By Clare Fieseler . 24 August 2025
ENN

As Rhode Island considers future of gas, advocates call for ‘realism’ on cost, availability of RNG

Members of a state committee want its final report to acknowledge that renewable natural gas captured from animal manure or food waste is not a viable replacement for fossil fuel gas.

By Lisa Prevost . 13 November 2024
ENN

Nine states pledge to boost heat pumps to 90% of home equipment sales by 2040

Northeast and Western states seek to make high-efficiency electric technology the norm in residential space heating and cooling and water heating.

By Annie Ropeik . 7 February 2024
ENN

Northeast grid operator weighs first environmental justice position

The role could serve as a bridge between ISO New England and the communities it serves as the region transitions to cleaner energy resources, state officials say.

By Miranda Willson . 7 August 2023
ENN

Rhode Island lawmaker wants to require solar on new homes and parking lots

Rep. Jennifer Boylan wants to “start having conversations” about following California’s lead in making solar an integral part of new construction.

By Lisa Prevost . 5 April 2023
ENN

Rhode Island climate goals may require statewide ban on new gas hookups

The chair of the state’s Public Utilities Commission said Thursday that a statewide ban on new gas hookups could be necessary to meet the state’s mandatory target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

By Lisa Prevost . 9 February 2023
ENN

Solar program aims to cut energy costs for lower-income Rhode Island residents

The New England state recently issued a request for proposals from solar companies to partner on a program that will lease and install solar equipment on homes owned by low- to moderate-income residents.

By Lisa Prevost . 10 January 2023