Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 1:25 PM EST
McKee Cuts Renewable Energy Programs
Coverage from ecoRI News, The Providence Journal, and others
Articles
5
Latest Article
03/23
Active Days
71
Executive Summary
McKee's budget would delay Rhode Island's renewable standard and cap clean energy programs, easing bills now but risking heat pump and climate goals.
- McKee's FY2027 budget would delay the 100 percent Renewable Energy Standard from 2033 to 2050
- The plan would freeze net metering rates at 2026 levels and cap energy efficiency spending at 75 million dollars a year
- State officials say the changes could save ratepayers about 1 billion dollars over five years
- Environmental leaders warn weaker renewable programs could increase natural gas reliance and slow electrification
- Terry Gray said affordable electricity is needed for heat pumps and electric vehicles to spread
- Advocates say delays could make it harder to meet Rhode Islands Act on Climate 2030 target
- Lawmakers and advocates also plan to reintroduce the Building Decarbonization Act to push heat pump ready new buildings
Quick Facts
- What: A budget fight over cuts to renewable and efficiency programs
- Where: Rhode Island especially Providence and the State House
- Why: To lower utility bills while protecting climate and electrification goals
- Who: Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee lawmakers advocates and state officials
- When: January budget release and January 28 climate meeting
Coverage Timeline: 71 Days
Featured Article
On January 15 in Providence, Governor Dan McKee unveiled a Rhode Island fiscal 2027 budget that trims renewable and efficiency funding to lower electric bills, prompting concerns about heat-pump adoption.
Additional Articles
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ECRI and House Speaker Joe Shekarchi met in Providence to oppose Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed FY2027 cuts to Rhode Island renewable programs and to defend building decarbonization policy.
Rhode Island legislators in 2024 debated bills to roll back renewable and energy efficiency utility charges to reduce electricity bills amid natural-gas price volatility.
Rhode Island lawmakers will reintroduce the Building Decarbonization Act in 2026 to advance heat-pump readiness for new buildings across the state.
At a Jan. 28 Providence State House meeting, Rhode Island officials debated Gov. Dan McKees proposal to delay the Renewable Energy Standard, affecting heat pump and EV-driven pathways to the 2030 target.