A Comparison of Past Policies and Recommendations

The information below was selected from a variety of state policy recommendations that were made from 1976-1997. The three sets of recommendations are from different sources, but they are interesting to look at because they portray how Rhode Island has delt with energy issues over the past 30 years. The interesting aspect to all of the policy recommendations is not what has been done, but what hasn't been done. Although Rhode Island has made various successes with energy issues since the 1970's, an important distinction falls within these policy recommendations. Many policy and goal statements have been recommended, but there doesn't seem to be much follow up. These three sets of recommendations do demonstrate a trend from vague goals to specific statements, however, none of these three programs offer specific steps for taking action or timelines for when such goals and recommendations should be implemented. Only one set mentions transportation as a portion of energy policy to be included as a specific goal. The various colors indicate similarities.

  1. Lilac= Reducing consumption
  2. Green= Economic issues
  3. Orange= Educating or assisting consumers
  4. Red= Renewables

I. The U/Conserve Program "Goals." 1976

  1. Reduce the consumption of energy with policies and programs aimed at the generation and distribution system as well as end use patterns of consumption.
  2. Promote the use of the most efficient source of energy for each individual application.
  3. Reduce the necessity for additional capital investments.
  4. Encourage a balance use of energy with the least impact on the economy and the environment.
  5. Assist consumers in controlling energy use and costs.
  6. Shift consumption as much as possible from scarce fuels to alternative sources.

II. Power to Spare from the Conservation Law Foundation, " 12 Point Electric Efficiency Action Plan for New England." July 1987.

  1. Comprehensive end use efficiency design.
  2. Customized rebates.
  3. Targeted mass retrofits.
  4. Programs to increase the efficiency of new construction.
  5. Load management initiatives.
  6. Regulatory treatment of efficiency investments.
  7. Development of a New England energy laboratory.
  8. Integrated least-cost planning.
  9. Creation of an "efficiency auction."
  10. More energy efficient building codes.
  11. Reducing impediments to market-justified efficiency investments.
  12. Regional power coordination.

III. The Rhode Island Energy Plan, "Rhode Island State Energy Plan Goals." March 1997

  1. Energy Efficiency and Conservation: The recognition and appreciation of energy as too valuable a resource to waste or squander, with the most efficient use of that resource and its conservation an overarching concern.
  2. Economic competitiveness: A strengthened competitive posture for Rhode Island commerce and industry through access to adequate, affordable and reliable supplies of energy in all sectors of use, including transportation.
  3. Environmental quality: Setting and achieving objectives that preserve or enhance environmental quality while ensuring adequate energy supplies.
  4. Energy security: The attainment of a fuel mix that is reasonable, reliable, and that satisfies economic need.
  5. Transportation: energy efficent and environmentally friendly options for the movement of people and goods.
  6. Energy efficiency and accessibility for low income households.
  7. Energy education: energy education available at all levels, beginning in grade school.
  8. Renewable resources: the development of permanently sustainable energy resources that are environmentally benign and economically feasible.

FUTURE PROJECTS:

  1. Carefully examine the state policies and follow up on what plans or programs have been implemented.
  2. Look into the economic aspect of energy conservation; has there been any successes in terms of residents saving both money and energy

Sources:

Conservation Law Foundation. "Power to Spare: A Plan for Increasing New England's Competitiveness through Energy Efficiency." July 1987.

Rhode Island. Statewide Planning Program. Rhode Island Energy Plan, report number 90. Providence, RI: March 1997.

Rhode Island. Utility Conservation Program. U/Conserve Program. Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. Providence, RI: April 1976.

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