Protect the Earth and Your Wallet Too

Written By Clare Kim

This article is part of the One Dish, One Spoon Series. If you haven’t read the articles on decarbonization and renewable energy, you can do so here.

Rhode Island is strategizing to meet the 2021 Act on Climate’s mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (a.k.a. carbon emissions) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Eliminating pollution from carbon emissions, also called decarbonizing, means protecting people and the environment by divesting from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy. There are many programs and resources available to Rhode Islanders to make the choices that are sustainable for the environment and sustainable for our wallets.

Clarifying definitions: A rebate is money that you get back once you have already bought something. This differs from an assistance program, which usually helps you make the initial purchase by lowering or eliminating the cost. Both of these fall under the category of incentives, which refer generally to initiatives that motivate specific kinds of behavior, like getting people to switch to electric stoves.

Eliminating Emissions in the Electricity and Energy Sectors

  • Why is this a priority? Right now, Rhode Island generates 87% of its electricity from methane (often called “natural gas”). Not only is methane a limited resource, but it’s a fossil fuel that pollutes the air and harms our health. And when demand for energy is highest, this demand is met by burning the dirtiest and most expensive fossil fuels—which show up on your utility bill.

  • How can we do it? We can reduce emissions from electricity by (1) consuming less electricity whenever possible and making our homes and appliances energy efficient, and (2) using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels like coal and oil. For renewable energy, New England has the highest potential for solar and wind energy. Furthermore, equipping buildings with battery storage to prevent the deployment of dirty and expensive fossil fuels during times of peak demand and Smart Meters to monitor usage can help stabilize supply and demand and optimize energy costs.

These are rebates and resources available to you:

Eliminate Emissions from Buildings 

  • Why is this a priority? Buildings are responsible for 35% of emissions in RI and 58% of that is from residential buildings. Most residential buildings in RI are heated and cooled using methane and electricity (being supplied by methane). Old gas pipes also leak methane directly into the atmosphere. Lastly, regardless of energy source, many RI homes need better insulation to be energy efficient.

  • How can we do it? To reduce emissions from buildings, we can (1) electrify old and new buildings and equip them with energy-efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling, (2) weatherize buildings to make sure they’re well-insulated, and (3) transition away from using methane gas, propane, and oil for heating. We can also change how we pay for energy through rate reform so that electricity is affordable for everyone.

These are rebates and resources available to you:

Eliminate Emissions from Transportation

  • Why is this a priority? Transportation is responsible for the most emissions in RI (37% of greenhouse gas emissions). Passenger cars and light-duty trucks make up 65% of transportation emissions, and 4 out of 5 passenger cars are only carrying one person per ride! (No wonder there is so much traffic!) Since gasoline is a limited resource and pollutes our communities, we need to transition to renewable resources and sustainable forms of transportation.

  • How can we do it? We can reduce transportation emissions by (1) reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled by increasing bus riding, cycling, and walking; (2) design complete streets that accommodate and encourage mode shift; and (3) electrifying the remaining vehicles—and ensuring the electricity powering them is renewable. 

These are rebates and resources available to you:

  • E-Bike Rebate - Receive money back for buying an e-bike from a Rhode Island bike shop.

  • Reduced Fare Bus Pass Program (RIPTA) - RIPTA offers free travel for qualifying low-income seniors (age 65 or over) and low-income persons with disabilities. Students in the Providence Public School District are eligible for free bus fare.

  • DRIVE EV rebate program - Receive money back when you purchase or lease an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Many of these incentives are funded by state agencies like the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Office of Energy Resources (OER), and our state will not be able to meet its climate goals without continuing to invest in these key actions. These resources are critical because they support all Rhode Islanders in participating in decarbonization strategies. And, by using them, we’re showing the state we want them to continue to invest in the health and sustainability of our communities. By taking advantage of the resources on this page, you are contributing to a healthier, more resilient Rhode Island! If you want to get involved in any of these efforts, send me an email here.


Clare Kim
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What is renewable energy and why do we need it?