Gov. Gina Raimondo, D-R.I., has directed her energy team to work with Rhode Island’s utilities to issue a procurement for up to 400 MW of clean energy.
According to the governor, the request for proposals (RFP), planned to be issued by this summer, will build on the progress toward her administration’s goal to make Rhode Island’s energy system 10 times cleaner. Since Raimondo announced a goal to bring 1 GW of clean energy into the state’s energy portfolio last spring, Rhode Island has more than doubled its amount of renewable power, she says. The 1 GW goal directs Rhode Island’s energy team to seek a broad mix of clean resources – including offshore and onshore wind, hydro, and solar.
“Our commitment to a greener energy future is good for our environment and good for our economy. Since announcing our goal to make our energy system 10 times cleaner, we’ve more than doubled the amount of renewable energy in the state – from roughly 100 MW to 230,” the governor says in a press release. “Few states are as vulnerable to climate change as Rhode Island. Our investments and commitment to fighting climate change will create jobs and protect our environment. That’s why we set this goal, and it’s why I’m directing my team to work with Rhode Island’s utilities to procure another 400 MW of clean and renewable energy by the end of this summer.”
The Office of Energy Resources will collaborate with the state’s utilities to design the RFP. The specific details of the RFP will be released at a later date.
“Because of the critical groundwork we have conducted in Rhode Island – including the first-ever offshore wind farm in the country and our nationally renowned energy efficiency programs – we have created a strong foundation for a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system,” says Carol Grant, state energy commissioner. “Local homeowners, businesses and governments are actively installing renewable energy projects throughout the state, which is helping our environment while bolstering the state’s clean energy industry.”
“This competitive RFP will help to deliver more clean energy for Rhode Island at the lowest market rates, which will protect ratepayers’ wallets,” adds Macky McCleary, administrator of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. “We look forward to reviewing some innovative proposals.”
