PROVIDENCE – The Pascoag Utility District was one of 19 entities in the state recognized this month for renewable energy and energy efficiency achievements achieved over the past year.
PUD was honored at the sixth Annual Lead by Example Clean Energy Awards ceremony. The Lead by Example program works with public sector entities to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy costs. According to a release on the recognition, the work, done by state and municipal employees, often goes unheralded but is a critical tool in addressing public sector energy burdens across government.
The Burrillville-based company was honored in the public sector entity category for installation of a 3MW/9MWh battery storage system to help avoid over $6 million in large transmission upgrade costs. The project utilized Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for below-market financing of $1.4 million, a grant from the Office of Energy Resources of $250,000, and a shared savings partnership with storage company Agilitas Energy to support this project. The upgrade will improve the reliability at peak load, while also contributing to a more sustainable energy future, according to a release from state officials.
Gov. Dan McKee also signed a new Lead by Example Executive Order at the ceremony, which updates the state’s clean energy, energy efficiency and emission reduction goals for all state agencies.
Within the executive order, all state agencies must collaborate with the Office of Energy Resources to implement and promote emission reduction projects, in keeping with the purpose to Lead by Example in clean energy and sustainability. The order sets out new goals in alignment with the 2021 Act on Climate, which sets mandatory, enforceable climate greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals leading the state to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050.
“I am proud of the outstanding work from the Lead by Example team at the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources that has led them to surpass previously set targets,” said McKee.
“These towns, school districts, and agencies are demonstrating that the ambitious goals of the Act on Climate are within reach,” said Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos. “As a former City Council President, I know how much hard work goes into effecting change like this at the local level. We are grateful to every nominee for their efforts to protect our state from climate change.”
