PROVIDENCE, R.I. – March 19, 2026 – Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor and Rhode Island Commerce today announced the launch of the Small Business Energy Efficiency Program – a statewide grant program to help small businesses reduce their energy costs. The program is a partnership between Rhode Island Commerce, Rhode Island Energy, RISE Engineering, and the RI Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4). It reimburses eligible small businesses up to $20,000 for energy efficiency measures implemented as the result of an energy assessment or audit.
“This program will help small businesses reduce their energy consumption and, as a result, lower their operating costs,” said Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. “These modest investments by Commerce will deliver meaningful savings for our businesses. We thank our partners for their commitment and collaboration.”
Administered by Rhode Island Commerce, the program provides cost-sharing support for eligible small businesses. Businesses with less than $2 million in annual gross revenue may receive reimbursement for up to 80% of eligible project costs, and businesses with between $2 million and $5 million in annual gross revenue may receive up to 70%.
“This program strengthens Rhode Island’s small business community while advancing our state’s climate goals,” said RIEC4 Chair and DEM Director Terry Gray. “By empowering businesses to invest in energy efficiency improvements, we are not only reducing costs today but also building a more affordable, resilient, and sustainable future for all Rhode Islanders.”
“Rhode Island Energy is proud to again partner with Rhode Island Commerce to help Rhode Island’s small businesses reduce their electric and gas costs,” said David Moreira, Director of Programs & Connections at Rhode Island Energy. “Our partnership demonstrates how collaboration can drive meaningful savings for participants and ratepayers, while supporting the long-term strength of Rhode Island businesses.”
“RISE is proud to partner with Rhode Island Commerce and Rhode Island Energy to help small businesses identify and implement cost-effective energy efficiency improvements,” said Jon Colando, Manager of Small Business Services at RISE. “As the program’s implementation partner, RISE works directly with local businesses to deliver energy assessments and guide the installation of efficiency upgrades that reduce operating costs, improve building performance, and support the long-term success of Rhode Island’s small business community.”
The application and list of eligible projects or purchases are available online.
Businesses with questions about the program are encouraged to reach out to Rhode Island Commerce at (401) 521-HELP or email energy.efficiency@commerceri.com.
Contact: Giselle Mahoney
(401) 545-0626
giselle.mahoney.ctr@commerce.ri.gov
