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Small Business Program

Rhode Island Energy

Build a better future for your small business

It's important to know that we support small businesses of every kind. Our energy-saving solutions can enhance ambiance, improve safety, and boost customer confidence, all while reducing your monthly overhead costs.


Getting started

Schedule a no-cost energy assessment, and we will help you determine what energy-saving solutions are best for your business. Call us at 1-877-784-3709 or email energyefficiency@RIEnergy.com.

Discover how RIE can help your small business thrive

Download our program brochure to learn about program details, incentives, and financing options for small businesses in Rhode Island.

Your Energy Specialist will complete this Energy Savings Plan with your recommended measures, estimated annual energy savings, costs, payback period, and other details. Download a template of the Energy Savings Plan to review the equipment being installed, costs, and rebate information.

To qualify for the Small Business program, you must:

  • Be an active Rhode Island Energy electric customer
  • Pay the System Benefits Charge (SBC)
  • Have an average annual usage of 1.5 M kWh or less, or 40k therms or less

Prefer to use your own contractor?

You can complete most energy-efficiency upgrades with your own contractor. Contact our Customer Directed Option Regional Program Administrator (CDO RPA) at 401-784-3700 or info@rienergycdo.com and confirm eligibility.

Smart energy solutions for small businesses

Rhode Island Energy
Commercial lights shown in an industrial building

LED Lighting

We’ll cover up to 70% of the installation costs for indoor and outdoor LEDs and lighting occupancy sensors for your small business.

Contractor working with a rooftop HVAC device

HVAC

A high-efficiency heat pump, boiler, or furnace can lower energy bills and enhance employee and customer comfort.

Business woman using a programable thermostat in her office.

Programmable thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a cost-effective way to save money on heating and air conditioning.

Baker placing an item in a commercial refregirator

Refrigeration

Incentives are available for refrigeration and walk-in cooler efficiency.

Weatherization

Improve insulation and air sealing with incentives and expert support.

Custom projects

We offer installation discounts on custom lighting, variable speed drives, energy management systems, and heat pumps to help fund upgrades at your small business.

Free appliance recycling for a smarter energy future

Upgrade your energy efficiency by scheduling a no-cost appliance pickup, and we’ll handle the rest—helping your small business save energy and reduce costs.

Explore our recycling program

Flexible payment plans

If eligible, you’ll have two payment options for your share of the project’s costs. You can spread the cost over a maximum of 24 months (added to your monthly electric bill) or pay the full amount in one lump sum and receive a 15% discount.

Energy savings success stories

Our selection of small business case studies can help you learn how businesses in Rhode Island have saved on energy costs through efficient lighting, HVAC upgrades, and control systems, helping them reduce their carbon footprint and boost savings.

Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA)

RIHCA upgraded its Warwick office with high-efficiency LED lighting and advanced lighting controls, reducing energy use and costs through a seamless partnership with Rhode Island Energy and RISE.
Read the RIHCA case study (pdf)

Anyhow Studio

A community ceramic studio in Providence worked with Rhode Island Energy to upgrade to energy-efficient LED lighting and equipment, resulting in significant energy savings and a more comfortable workspace.
Watch the Anyhow Studio business testimonial video

Find out more about Anyhow Studio's journey on Instagram or Facebook.

Wide World of Indoor Sports

This facility in North Kingstown partnered with Rhode Island Energy to upgrade lighting and HVAC systems, resulting in annual energy cost savings of over $34,500.
Read the Wide World of Indoor Sports case study (pdf)

The Tai-O Group

A commercial property in Pawtucket installed energy-efficient LED lighting and a cloud-based control system, leading to annual savings of $70,000.
Read the Tai-O Group case study (pdf)