Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program

The Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program is a statewide funding initiative administered by Rhode Island Commerce in partnership with Rhode Island Energy, RISE Engineering, and the Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4). The program is designed to help small businesses across Rhode Island lower their energy costs through strategic investments in energy efficiency improvements. This effort reflects a broader commitment to the state's clean energy goals and the reduction of fossil fuel reliance while providing tangible financial relief and performance enhancements for participating businesses. Under the program, small businesses are eligible for reimbursements of up to $20,000 for energy-saving improvements implemented after an energy efficiency audit. These upgrades must be directly recommended in the audit and aligned with the list of eligible improvements. Eligible businesses are categorized based on gross annual revenue. Those generating under $2 million annually may qualify for up to 80% reimbursement of approved project costs, while those with annual revenues between $2 million and $5 million may be reimbursed for up to 70%. Businesses with revenues exceeding $5 million do not appear to be eligible under current guidelines. A wide range of energy-saving upgrades are covered by the program. These include LED lighting installations and controls, HVAC improvements such as programmable thermostats and heat pump systems, as well as insulation, air sealing, and enhanced ventilation solutions. Eligible ventilation improvements may involve filter upgrades, installation or balancing of central HVAC or HRV systems, and the addition of indoor air purification units. The program also supports projects such as electric panel upgrades, removal of outdated knob-and-tube wiring, and various control systems for building mechanicals. However, solar panel installations are explicitly excluded from this program. To apply, businesses must submit a no-cost, no-obligation energy assessment or audit as part of the application process. This assessment is crucial for verifying eligibility and ensuring that proposed upgrades are in line with program goals. The audit must detail energy-saving opportunities specific to the applicant's facility and must precede implementation of any improvements to qualify for reimbursement. The application window appears to be currently open, though the program materials do not specify a submission deadline. The program is expected to run on a rolling basis, accepting applications continuously. Therefore, businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of available funds. The program does not mention pre-application stages or formal gating steps like a Letter of Intent. There is no detailed information provided about the evaluation process or scoring criteria, nor is there a timeline for notifications or disbursement of awards. There are also no specific performance period or post-award reporting requirements mentioned in the available materials. However, due to the reimbursement-based structure, funds will likely be disbursed after successful project completion and validation of eligible expenses. Contact details, including phone numbers or direct emails for the program administrator, are not publicly listed in the provided information.