Skip to main content
Block island wind farm from shore

Non-Wires Solutions

Rhode Island Energy

Non-Wires opportunities and solutions

Rhode Island Energy is committed to delivering system reliability and cost-saving benefits to the electric grid and our customers by guiding the development of non-wires opportunities and the responsible sourcing of non-wires solutions.

Understanding non-wires solutions

A “non-wires solutions” addresses system needs or optimizes system performance through methods other than utility-owned infrastructure, often referred to as a “wires solutions.” These solutions are designed to defer or eliminate the need to construct or upgrade components of a distribution and/or transmission system, providing cost savings for customers.

All non-wires solutions must meet the specified electrical grid needs, be cost-effective, and be more affordable than the next best wires solution.

A non-wires solution can include any action, strategy, program, or technology that meets these criteria. Examples include demand response, solar energy generation, energy storage, combined heat and power (CHP), microgrid, conservation or energy efficiency measure, and other distributed energy resources (DERs) or distributed generation (DG). Non-wires solutions may involve these and other investments, either individually or in combination, to meet the specified needs in a cost-effective manner.

Two people discussing a project in a planning session

Planning process and non-wires opportunities

Explore RIE's system planning process and discover past and current opportunities to propose non-wires solutions.

A group of professionals discussing renewable energy projects with models of solar panels and wind turbines on the table

Proposing a non-wires solution

We welcome a variety of potential non-wires solutions that can meet grid needs in a cost-effective manner.

Additional information

  • Rhode Island System Data Portal
    Interactive mapping tools that provide visibility into the electric distribution system.

  • R.I.G.L. 39-1-27.7
    The State of Rhode Island’s Least-Cost Procurement statute enables and sets guidelines for non-wires solutions..

  • RI Public Utilities Commission
    Explore the regulatory landscape – Docket No. 23-47-EE includes Rhode Island Energy’s proposed system reliability procurement process for 2024-2026 and Docket No. 23-07-EE includes relevant updated regulatory standards.

  • RI Tariff Provisions
    Access Rhode Island Energy’s active tariff provisions, which outline service usage, rates, regulations, and rebate opportunities.