Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program

Online application will open on February 17, 2026.

The Rhode Island Commerce Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program is a statewide effort to assist small businesses reduce their energy costs by implementing measures that improve energy efficiency. This program will reimburse small businesses up to $20,000 for energy efficiency measures implemented as the result of an energy efficiency audit. 

Why It Matters

Energy efficiency means using less electricity to perform the same tasks—reducing your utility bills while supporting a cleaner energy future. By investing in efficiency, small businesses can:

  • Lower monthly energy expenses
  • Improve comfort and performance in their workspaces
  • Contribute to Rhode Island’s clean energy goals
  • Reduce reliance on fossil fuels as demand grows

Program Eligibility Requirements:

  • Businesses with less than $2 million in annual gross revenues may qualify for up to 80% of costs covered
  • Business between $2 million and $5 million in annual gross revenues may qualify for up to 70% of costs covered

Eligible Projects or Purchases include:

 
  • LED lighting upgrades and controls    
  • Cooler/refrigeration controls    
  • Programmable WiFi thermostats
  • Boiler and hot water controls   
  • Air sealing and building insulation    
  • Variable frequency drives    
  • Water saving devices     
  • Roof top unit controls    
  • Pumps and efficient motors    
  • Custom equipment and controls   
  • Electric panel upgrades 
  • Removal knob-and-tube wiring
  • Improvements to ventilation: 
    • Purchasing and installing a higher-grade filter within an existing air handling unit
    • Central HVAC installation, repair, or balancing
    • HVAC UVGI system installation
    • Adding a portable fan filter unit (PFFU)
    • Adding an indoor air purifier
    • HRV system installation, repair or balancing
 

Note: Solar panels are not eligible for reimbursement. If you are interested in solar panel installations, please visit https://commerceri.com/renewable-energy-fund/ for more information.

This effort is a partnership between Rhode Island Commerce, Rhode Island Energy, RISE Engineering and the Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4).