EAST PROVIDENCE — Following a presentation at the November 10 City Council meeting, the mayor’s office last week announced East Providence would be participating in National Grid's Community Initiative to save energy.

Laura Rodomer, of National Grid’s Rhode Island Energy Efficiency Strategy Team, provided the council and residents with an overview of the program, which could net the city upwards of $20,000 in grant monies for future similar endeavors if certain goals are met.

Ms. Rodomer told the council National Grid annually provides an energy efficiency plan to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission in an attempt to meet the state’s aims at reducing the environmental impacts both commercial and residential energy use. The Community Initiative is an element of the overall plan.

Rhode Island, she noted, was ranked as the third state nationally in energy efficiency, something she called a “huge accomplishment.”

Ms. Rodomer said National Grid’s residential program, specifically, eyes engaging the community and informing homeowners of the many efficient and cost-savings options available to them.

To that end, National Grid and the city have set a goal of completing 99 no-cost Virtual Home Energy Assessments by end of next April.

According to the administration of Mayor Bob DaSilva, if East Providence residents reach this goal, the city will be awarded funds toward an energy efficiency community project.

National Grid customers who own or rent 1-4 unit homes and apartments are eligible for a no-cost assessment.

Residents could be eligible to receive the following:

No-cost LED light bulbs, faucet aerators, shower heads, and advanced power strips shipped directly to your door.

5% or more off approved insulation and air sealing improvements up to $15,000.

Rebates and financing are available for mini-split heat pumps.
0% interest heat loan.

A rebate up to $75 towards a WiFi programmable thermostat and no-cost recycling of a fridge or freezer with a $50 reward.

The actual goals of the initiative for the city are: converting to Wi-Fi thermostats in homes and businesses; weatherization; recycling refrigerators; converted home heating to air source pumps; and small business engagement.

Ms. Rodomer said weatherization is one of the initiative’s “biggest priorities.” Doing so, she continued, can increase the comfort of a home while reducing heating and cooling expenses.

The city will receive an initial seed grant of $2,000 for participating in the program and the aforementioned $20,000 if all goals are met.

Those interested can register for a virtual assessment by visiting ngrid.com/rivirtualassessment or calling 1-888-633-7947. An overview of the program can be found at ngrid.com/save. Ms. Rodomer said assessments are being done virtually and on-line due to health and safety precautions/restriction implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.