KINGSTON, R.I. – April 4, 2025 – Everyone was talking about their energy bills this winter. As winter has moved into spring, a team at the University of Rhode Island is hoping Rhode Islanders keep talking about their energy use – this time to them. 

URI Cooperative Extension is hoping to help consumers lower their bills in both the short- and long-term and, in turn, reduce the amount of energy homes consume and pay for. Organizers are particularly interested in hearing from residents in low- to moderate-income communities and the community-based workers who serve these individuals directly as part of the effort focused on increasing awareness of the importance of energy efficiency. The sessions start April 24 and are open to any interested community member: renters, homeowners, landlords, community-based workers, energy and public health professionals. Anyone who participates in at least three of the six sessions will be eligible to receive incentives in exchange for their input and time.

According to Cooperative Extension’s Kate Venturini Hardesty, this project hopes to reach and assist income-eligible ratepayers: those who are eligible for assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and those who spend a larger percentage of their income on energy costs. Many of these residents also happen to live in older houses which are less energy efficient, which compounds cost and means homes are not as healthy as they could be.

The new project aims to raise awareness, boost energy literacy around the importance of home weatherization in the region and increase participation in energy efficiency programs specifically targeting low income ratepayers. Lack of knowledge is compounded by confusion about who programs are for, worries about participating, lack of trust, even a concern that participating takes resources away from those who need it more.

URI Cooperative Extension is hoping to bridge the gap and help all Rhode Islanders benefit from the states’ mandatory energy efficiency program, which is funded by a surcharge on gas and electric bills and provides incentives and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, some of which goes unused year after year.

Energy matters

In every Rhode Islander’s utility bill, a small portion shows the state-mandated deduction for energy efficiency programming to help customers lower their energy usage and bills. But despite programs that offer energy audits to locate issues and opportunities in homes, many consumers are not availing themselves of the free service. (To change that now and schedule a no-cost in-home energy audit, call Rhode Island Energy at 888-633-7947.) 

These free home energy audits can help Rhode Islanders to better and more efficiently heat and cool their homes. The team says that those who stand to benefit the most tend to live in low- and middle-income neighborhoods, or in the state’s large stock of older homes (built pre-1980). But, they add, healthy, energy-efficient homes should be within reach of all Rhode Islanders. The assessment is also free to landlords and renters. 

“Our goal is long-term impact for health, safety, cost and comfort,” says Hardesty.

Hardesty schedules a free home energy audit herself every three years. As a market rate customer, she is only required to pay 25% of the total cost to implement the weatherization recommendations like insulation and air sealing that result from the auditing process. Who pays for the rest? The state’s energy efficiency program all ratepayers pay into, which covers 75% of weatherization costs for market rate customers and 100% for income eligible customers. 

“Not only are the home energy audits completely free of charge, but in some cases, the weatherization upgrades are also completely free,” Hardesty says. “There are so many people who pay a large percentage of their income for home energy. Luckily, there are programs out there to help, but many consumers are not taking advantage, whether because they didn’t notice the small print or are worried it’s too good to be true. We are trying to make people more aware and encourage them to access the programs available to them.”

Energy conservation versus efficiency

Energy conservation includes actions like turning the refrigerator temperature down or readjusting thermostats to help conserve energy. Energy-efficient approaches are based on using less energy to perform the same tasks, like installing an energy-efficient fridge or upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC, using proper insulation or upgrading windows. Using energy more efficiently helps consumers save money, improve comfort at home, meet growing energy demand, even combat climate change. 

URI’s energy team says data shows higher-income families spend less of their paychecks on energy. According to HUD data, families in the bottom third of Rhode Island income brackets ($35,000/year or less) spend 17% of their total income on energy, while families in the top 20% of earners ($70,000+) spend just 4% of their total income. 

Instead of simply relying on the tiny type in utility bills to get the word out, URI’s group hopes to collect input from residents about ways to increase participation in energy efficiency programs, and then bring that information to policymakers. 

“This process is an opportunity to raise the voices of those who are most affected by policies that don’t necessarily serve their needs,” says Hardesty. “We encourage anyone who has an interest in helping the environment, reducing energy consumption, increasing home health and safety and learning to participate.”

Making connections 

URI’s energy team is using the ‘community of practice’ approach to gather information on energy program access in Rhode Island. They hope to hear from residents, community-based workers, renters and landlords, welcoming multiple perspectives to contribute to the conversation. 

“We are encouraging income eligible ratepayers and more importantly, those who work in their communities as public health workers and social service providers, etc. to participate in our Community of Practice conversations,” says Hardesty. “We really want to connect with folks working in social services. If we can inform and empower these community-based workers to talk to income eligible ratepayers about energy efficiency, the message will reach more people and come from those residents already trust.”

Those who attend at least three of the offered sessions will receive gift cards, a certificate of participation, community service hours, a stipend, and/or professional development coaching. No experience or qualifications are necessary. 

URI’s Energy Literacy program is part of URI Cooperative Extension. To learn more or join in, visit here or email or call Kevin Drumm, kevin_drumm@uri.edu, 401-874-5585 (English or Spanish).