Rhode Island Public Benefit Funds for Energy Efficiency

Rhode Island's Utility Restructuring Act of 1996 states that costs for low-income assistance and weatherization programs "shall be included in the distribution rates charged to all other customers" and orders the Public Utility Commission to set up a "demand-side management" program in 1997 using the 2.3 mil per kWh specified in the bill. The 2001 state legislature approved an extension of the program through 2007.

The Appliance Management Program (AMP) is the only program exclusively for low-income households. The AMP replaces old and inefficient refrigerators and/or freezers with new, energy efficient ones. Participants may qualify for other items including: ENERGY STAR^® lighting, water saving measures and insulation and air sealing measures. The program targets low-income households that are serviced through Narragansett Electric and is administered by the Rhode Island State Energy Office. The program expects to use about $850,000 in 2006 to provide services to an estimated 1,050 households.

See electric utility restructuring legislation.

Page Last Updated: April 3, 2007