RI Energy won't get backing of state board to cut energy efficiency programs

AI-assisted summary

Rhode Island Energy has proposed cutting the state's energy efficiency program budget by nearly 20 percent.

The McKee administration supports the cuts to provide short-term savings on customer energy bills.

Clean energy advocates and many state lawmakers oppose the plan, arguing it will lead to higher costs long-term.

The proposal will now go to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission for a final decision.

PROVIDENCE – A proposal from Rhode Island Energy to slash funding next year for the state’s energy efficiency program will move on to utilities regulators without the support of a state board.

At a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25, the Energy Efficiency Council voted not to endorse the proposal that would cut spending by nearly 20% compared to this year, and