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
Funding Levels
- Up to 80% of project costs covered for businesses with less than $2 million in annual gross revenue
- Up to 70% of project costs covered for businesses with $2 million–$5 million in annual gross revenue
Maximum Grant Awards
Projects that leverage Rhode Island Energy incentives typically provide greater overall value, as they allow for financing options and additional discounts.
- $10,000 maximum when combined with Rhode Island Energy or RISE incentives
- $20,000 maximum for independently completed projects
Business Eligibility
Small businesses must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program:
- Be a Rhode Island business or 501©3 nonprofit
- Have a gross annual revenue of $5 million or less
- Not be disbarred in the federal System of Account Management (SAM)
- Not be permanently closed
- Have been open and operating since January 31, 2024
- Have a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing (COGS)
- Have a Rhode Island Letter of Good Standing (LOGS) or letter from their certified public accountant
- Not be owned by a nationally or regionally owned franchise
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.
Have questions? We’re here to help.
Email us at energy.efficiency@commerceri.com or call 401-278-9100 to connect with a Business Support Specialist.
