Tapping Rhode Island’s wind and solar potential 

National Grid agrees to buy renewable energy

In a major victory for clean, renewable energy—made possible by years of advocacy, negotiation and pressure from concerned citizens, environmental groups and renewable energy advocates —National Grid has withdrawn its opposition to entering into long-term agreements to buy renewable energy in Rhode Island.

Ninety-five percent of Rhode Island’s energy today comes from fossil fuels, such as gas and oil. However, Rhode Island has a tremendous potential to produce clean, renewable electricity from wind and solar energy.

Tapping Rhode Island’s clean energy potential could entirely offset our current demand for energy from dirty power sources­—yet there is only one large wind turbine currently installed in the Ocean State.

The need for new energy laws

Environment Rhode Island has worked for years in the General Assembly and with the Public Utilities Commission to secure a requirement for National Grid to enter long-term contracts to buy renewable energy. Long-term contracts are essential to jumpstart the development of new wind and solar projects.

Although National Grid has now agreed in concept to make a long-term commitment to renewable energy, Environment Rhode Island is pushing the General Assembly to pass a new law guaranteeing that National Grid will fulfill its promise.

Environment Rhode Island is working with leading renewable energy developers and allies in the environmental community to ensure the legislation is passed this year. 

The General Assembly is paying attention. Legislation that would spur the growth of clean, renewable energy in Rhode Island has already been introduced, and hearings were held throughout the month of April.

With help from our members, allies in the General Assembly and partners in the community, we can pave the way for a dramatic increase in wind and solar power this year.

Increasing Rhode Island’s renewable energy production would create new jobs.