Small Business Program

Build a better future for your small business

It's important to know that we support small businesses of every kind. Our energy-saving solutions can enhance ambiance, improve safety, and boost customer confidence, all while reducing your monthly overhead costs.

Happy small business owner working on a laptop in her coffee shop.

Getting started

Schedule a no-cost energy assessment, and we will help you determine what energy-saving solutions are best for your business. Call us at 1-877-784-3709 or email energyefficiency@RIEnergy.com.

Discover how RIE can help your small business thrive

Download our program brochure to learn about program details, incentives, and financing options for small businesses in Rhode Island.

Your Energy Specialist will complete this Energy Savings Plan with your recommended measures, estimated annual energy savings, costs, payback period, and other details. Download a template of the Energy Savings Plan to review the equipment being installed, costs, and rebate information.

To qualify for the Small Business program, you must:

  • Be an active Rhode Island Energy electric customer
  • Pay the System Benefits Charge (SBC)
  • Have an average annual usage of 1.5 M kWh or less, or 40k therms or less
Commercial lights shown in an industrial building

LED Lighting

We’ll cover up to 70% of the installation costs for indoor and outdoor LEDs and lighting occupancy sensors for your small business.

Contractor working with a rooftop HVAC device

HVAC

A high-efficiency heat pump, boiler, or furnace can lower energy bills and enhance employee and customer comfort.

Business woman using a programable thermostat in her office.

Programmable thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a cost-effective way to save money on heating and air conditioning.

Baker placing an item in a commercial refregirator

Refrigeration

Incentives are available for refrigeration and walk-in cooler efficiency.

Work crew preforming weatherization upgrades on a commercial building.

Weatherization

Improve insulation and air sealing with incentives and expert support.

Two business people discussing plans with several documents laid out in front of them

Custom projects

We offer installation discounts on custom lighting, variable speed drives, energy management systems, and heat pumps to help fund upgrades at your small business.

Flexible payment plans

If eligible, you’ll have two payment options for your share of the project’s costs. You can spread the cost over a maximum of 24 months (added to your monthly electric bill) or pay the full amount in one lump sum and receive a 15% discount.

Energy savings success stories

Our selection of small business case studies can help you learn how businesses in Rhode Island have saved on energy costs through efficient lighting, HVAC upgrades, and control systems, helping them reduce their carbon footprint and boost savings.

Wide World of Indoor Sports

This facility in North Kingstown partnered with Rhode Island Energy to upgrade lighting and HVAC systems, resulting in annual energy cost savings of over $34,500.
Read the Wide World of Indoor Sports case study (pdf)

The Tai-O Group

A commercial property in Pawtucket installed energy-efficient LED lighting and a cloud-based control system, leading to annual savings of $70,000.
Read the Tai-O Group case study (pdf)