Raimondo Pushes For Green Heating Sources In Rhode Island

Governor Gina Raimondo is continuing her push for renewable energy in Rhode Island. On Wednesday, the governor signed an executive order calling for the state's energy and utility commissions to spearhead a campaign to develop and advance green heating technologies.

"Rhode Islanders are on the front lines of climate change, and it is critical that we continue leading the charge in transforming our energy systems to cleaner alternatives," Raimondo said. "Modern technology provides the opportunity for reforms that make our heating sector more affordable and reliable while reducing our state’s carbon footprint. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders through this process and charting a course for a stronger and greener energy future."

The initiative will be led by the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and the Office of Energy Resources.

Previously, Raimondo set ambitious renweable energy goals for the state, calling for reductions to greenhouse gas emissions across the board, including in transportation, electricity and heating, as well as a goal to increase the state's green energy portfolio be ten times by next year.

"With efforts already underway to bring cleaner alternatives to the energy and transportation sectors, the heating sector is the next frontier," State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant said. "Today's action by the Governor commits us to looking at changes in our heating systems that help the state reach its goals of reduced emissions, working with all the stakeholders involved in this transformation."

The executive order requires that the agencies work with both the public and private sector to "identify the economic, energy, and environmental opportunities and challenges posed by Rhode Island’s heating sector" and create an action plan to begin the transfer to renewable heating sources. The final report is expected to be complete by Spring 2020.

"Rhode Islanders expect safe, affordable, and reliable solutions to heat their homes and businesses," said Kevin Lynch, the acting administrator of the DPUC. "Over the coming months, we will work collaboratively to develop a statewide pathway to modernize our heating sector."