In
order to reap the benefits of a wise energy policy Rhode Island must
move towards a smarter energy future. The hearings November 29th convened by the
General Assembly are a step in the right direction, and over the next
few months, we must make sure that these hearings are translated into
real results.
With
a projected 35% increase in natural gas heating costs this winter, and
with electricity prices rising, consumers at every income level are
spending an increasing proportion of their income to meet basic energy
needs.
Now
is the time for an all-hands-on-deck effort to adopt both short-term
and long-term energy solutions. We can lower heating bills for
residents across the state with energy efficiency and conservation
programs that will have an impact this year and for many years to come.
This
year we have an opportunity and responsibility to make the investments
that will provide long-term energy security by maximizing investments
in cost-effective energy efficiency measures, increasing public
education and continuing to fund the programs that will diversify our
energy supply with renewable energy.
