Rhode Island Aims to Provide Solar Energy to Environmental Justice Communities Through Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act

  • Low to moderate-income households are set to benefit from the upcoming solar project installation in Rhode Island.
  • The project is possible due to the grant money provided by the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • Promotes environmental justice by focusing on solar installation in low-income areas.
  • An increase in solar production helps the state towards its 100% renewable energy by 2033 goal, as well as rectify energy injustice.

By: Enviro 360 | January 9, 2023

Rhode Island is about to become the first state to install solar projects for low- to moderate-income single-family residences using cash from the Inflation Reduction Act. For these initiatives, the state is looking for a company to collaborate with.

For companies that could offer solar leases and or purchase power agreements to low-to-moderate income households, or households with an income that is 80% or less than the area median income in Rhode Island, the state of Rhode Island issued a request for proposals in December under the name Affordable Solar Access Pathways RFP. Additionally, the homes are going to be in the environmental justice emphasis zones that the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has established.

The initiative may be the first of its kind in the nation under the new Inflation Reduction Act, which provides grant money for initiatives promoting environmental justice and grants bonus credits for the construction of solar projects, particularly in low-income areas…

In terms of solar energy, the state comes in at number 31. Increasing solar production in places where environmental justice is a priority will assist these households to get cleaner energy at cheaper costs while advancing the state toward its target of 100% renewable energy by 2033…

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