In a Deep Freeze, High Cost of Electricity Becoming Focal Point of Residents’ Anger, Frustration

PROVIDENCE — It’s been three years since state regulators approved historic hikes in electric and natural gas rates, and as residents shiver through a lengthy spell of bone-chilling cold, the anger and frustration is becoming palpable.

“The state of Rhode Island should be doing everything within its power to bring more local clean energy online and coordinate with neighboring states to unlock the most affordable clean energy resources. This will not only help achieve our Renewable Energy Standard and lower energy costs, but it will also support our clean energy economy and grow family-sustaining jobs across the state.” – Emily Koo, Acadia Center Rhode Island program director

According to a study from the Acadia Center, energy efficiency programs in Rhode Island have returned an estimated $5 billion in benefits back to Rhode Islanders over the lifetime of the programs. For every $1 spent in the programs, the state will see $1.97 in benefits.

The program also supports some 11,330 jobs in related industries, and has saved 18.8 years of electricity from the Manchester Street Power Station in Providence. Put another way, energy efficiency programs reduced carbon emissions equivalent to taking 1.65 million cars off the road for one year.

To read the full article from ecoRI, click here.