Order calls for development of cleaner, more affordable heating systems
PROVIDENCE, RI- Governor Gina M. Raimondo announced today that she has signed Executive Order 19-06 launching a Heating Sector Transformation in Rhode Island. Led by the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) and the Office of Energy Resources (OER), this effort will advance Rhode Island's development of clean, affordable, and reliable heating technologies.
"Rhode Islanders are on the front lines of climate change, and it is critical that we continue leading the charge in transforming our energy systems to cleaner alternatives," said Governor Raimondo. "Modern technology provides the opportunity for reforms that make our heating sector more affordable and reliable while reducing our state's carbon footprint. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders through this process and charting a course for a stronger and greener energy future."
Rhode Island has set bold targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors of the economy, including electricity, transportation, and heating. The State is also within reach of the ambitious target set by Governor Raimondo to increase our renewable energy portfolio tenfold by next year. This Executive Order is a natural extension of those efforts to evaluate similar opportunities for transformation in the heating sector.
"With efforts already underway to bring cleaner alternatives to the energy and transportation sectors, the heating sector is the next frontier," said State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant. "Today's action by the Governor commits us to looking at changes in our heating systems that help the state reach its goals of reduced emissions, working with all the stakeholders involved in this transformation."
"Rhode Islanders expect safe, affordable, and reliable solutions to heat their homes and businesses," said DPUC Acting Administrator Kevin Lynch. "Over the coming months, we will work collaboratively to develop a statewide pathway to modernize our heating sector."
Executive Order 19-06 calls for the DPUC and OER to engage with other public and private sector partners to identify the economic, energy, and environmental opportunities and challenges posed by Rhode Island's heating sector. The agencies have been tasked with creating a comprehensive approach to set the state on a course toward a lower-carbon heating future.
The agencies will begin this work immediately and are expected to finalize their report next spring.