PROVIDENCE, R.I. – State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant announced that she will be retiring on January 10, 2020.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Governor and the people of Rhode Island as we accelerate the transformation to a clean, affordable and reliable energy future for all," said Commissioner Grant. "Working with the state's energy team has been an extraordinary experience. They have worked tirelessly with many other agencies, jurisdictions and stakeholders to tackle these complex challenges in innovative ways, and I am confident that they will continue to build upon this progress."
Grant has served as the state energy commissioner since she was confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate in May 2016. She joined the Office of Energy Resources with more than 30 years of experience in operations, strategic human resources, policy, law and communications. In addition, she has held numerous public and private positions since her arrival in Rhode Island in 1990.
Under her direction and leadership, the State's clean energy portfolio increased eightfold from 100 megawatts in 2016 to 809 megawatts in 2019 and is on track for a tenfold increase by the end of 2020. This portfolio, when fully operational, will generate enough electricity to meet more than one-third of Rhode Island's usage annually. Rhode Island has also consistently ranked among the highest in the country for its comprehensive energy efficiency programs during the last three years.
"Carol is an outstanding leader and public servant who built an amazing team and paved the way for rapid clean energy growth in Rhode Island," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "I'll miss her experience and guidance, but I know that she's leaving Rhode Island in an excellent position as we grow our green economy. Her influence will be felt here for a long time, and I wish her the best of luck in retirement."
During her tenure as state energy commissioner, the State also delivered other major energy milestones, such as:
•The Revolution Wind offshore wind farm, which establishes Rhode Island as an economic hub and staging area for the growing offshore wind industry on the Northern Atlantic Coast.
•For the third consecutive year, Rhode Island has ranked third in the nation for energy efficiency programs and policies, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard.
•Rhode Island's first community solar project opened under the Community Net Metering Pilot Program, which makes affordable solar power more accessible.
•State government reduced its energy consumption by 10 percent, including conversion of all state-owned streetlights to energy-efficient LEDs.
•OER launched the Electrify RI program, which provides funding for public electric vehicle charging stations. There are now approximately 100 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state, half of which are publicly funded and accessible to all.
The search for a new state energy commissioner has been under way, and a replacement is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.