FINANCING
Clem's Electric
RENEWABLE ENERGY FUND
About REF
CommerceRI’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF) exists to help expand the role of renewable energy throughout Rhode Island, so the state and its citizens can reap the full benefits of cost-effective renewable energy from diverse sources.
REF provides grants for renewable energy projects that have the potential to produce electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable manner, while stimulating job growth in the green technology and energy sectors. Using funds from the “system benefit charge” on electric bills and alternative compliance payments received from retail electricity providers, CommerceRI funds renewable energy projects in Small Scale solar, Commercial Scale, and Community Renewables.
Funding Level Information
| Small-Scale and Commercial Scale Rounds | Enrollment Date | Funding Budget | Remaining Funds |
| 22-1 | TBD 2022 |
Small Scale: $1,010,000 Commercial Scale: $300,000 Commercial Carport Adder: $507,336.00 Small Scale and Commercial Scale Energy Storage Adder: $1,224,500 |
TBD 2022 |
|
Workforce Development- Clean Energy Internship program Enrollment for Fall Session – Student and Company applications open from May 24, 2021 – August 13, 2021 |
$150,000 | $150,000 | |
| Community Renewables – Rolling Basis | $568,800 | Closes when cap is reached | |
| Brownfields Solar PV Program – Enrollment opens May 19, 2021 | $1M | $500,000 | |
– Rounds will close on the due date or if available funds have been reached.
– Unused funds will go to pending applications or general funds. Subject to REF administrator’s decision.
– Subject to change.
– Subject to availability of funds.
REF Programs
Commercial Scale Projects
Commercial Scale Funding Program Approximate Time Table
All dates are approximate and subject to change.
| Rounds |
Enrollment Date | Application Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 21-3 | October 18, 2021 (Starting at 9:00am) | CLOSED |
– Blocks will close on the due date or if available funds have been reached.
Commercial Scale- Application Documents
- Request for Projects
(Please review this document for application instructions) - Funding Flyer
- REF Application for Commercial D.O., T.P.O., and Carport Projects
NEW! Energy Storage Adder- Application Documents
- Request for Projects (Energy Storage Adder)
(Please review this document for application instructions) - Direct Ownership Project Application (Energy Storage Adder)
Note: Hard copies are no longer a requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com
Small Scale Projects
Small Scale Funding Program Approximate Time Table
All dates are approximate and subject to change.
| Rounds |
Enrollment Date | Application Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 22-1 | TBD 2022 |
– Blocks will close on the due date or if available funds have been reached.
Block Application Documents
Request for Projects
(Please review this document for application instructions)
Funding Flyer
Direct Ownership Projects Application
Project Checklist- Excel Template
Consumer Disclosure Form
NEW! Energy Storage Adder- Application Documents
- Request for Projects (Energy Storage Adder)
(Please review this document for application instructions) - Direct Ownership Project Application (Energy Storage Adder)
Note: Hard copies are no longer a requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com
Community Renewables
The REF seeks to fund Community Renewable projects.
Applications will be accepted as a first come, first served process on a rolling-basis.
| Enrollment Date | Funding Budget | Remaining Funds (as of 8/19/21) |
| Open- Rolling Basis | $600,000 | $539,300.00 |
Note: Hard copies are not requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com.
Clean Energy Internship Program - Fall 2022
The Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and the RI Office of Energy Resources (OER) seeks to match clean energy companies with RI undergraduate and graduate interns for the Spring of 2022.
Rhode Island’s clean energy industry has seen significant employment growth with an impressive 74% increase since 2014. Over 16,021 green jobs ranging from direct construction, engineering, research, policy, professional services, energy efficiency and more! The RI Clean Energy Internship Program is designed to help provide internship opportunities in these careers. Students will be able to professionally develop under the mentorship of an industry partner to combat real world problems in energy and the environment.
- Please submit your questions via email to REF@commerceri.com
Learn how to apply by choosing the options below:
- Are you a student interested in becoming a Clean Energy Intern for the spring of 2022?
- Please apply through the Clean Energy Internship Portal
- Deadline: December 10, 2021
- Marketing Flier
- Do you have a Clean Energy company and are looking for interns for the spring of 2022?
- Please apply through the Clean Energy Internship Portal
- Deadline: December 10, 2021
- Marketing Flier
- Host Company Program Process
For Frequently Asked Questions: Please click HERE
Brownfields Solar PV Program
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RI Commerce) and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) seeks to fund solar PV on Brownfield locations. All projects must be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for the Renewable Energy Fund Development Program.
Applications will be accepted as a first come, first served process on a rolling-basis until funding is exhausted.
| Enrollment Date | Funding Budget | Remaining Funds (as of 9/28/21) |
| May 19, 2021 | $1,000,000 | $500,000 |
Note: Hard copies are not requirement but holds as an option. Please submit your applications (all sections) via email to REF@commerceri.com.
NEW! Energy Storage Adder- Application Documents
- Request for Projects
(Energy Storage Adder)
(Please review this document for application instructions) - Brownfield Energy Storage Adder Application
Education Materials
Learn more about Rhode Island Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Programs.
CONTACT
US TODAY
KAREN STEWART
REF PROGRAM MANAGER
401.278.9112
ABIGAIL DRANSFIELD
REF PROJECT COORDINATOR
401.278.9196
