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Complete Homeowner's Reference
RI Energy (formerly National Grid RI) administers Rhode Island's ratepayer-funded efficiency programs. This guide covers every program available in 2026 -- from FREE assessments and 75% off insulation to HPWH rebates and Clean Heat RI stacking.
Updated February 2026
RI Energy is the rebranded name for National Grid Rhode Island. In 2023, after PPL Corporation acquired National Grid's Rhode Island operations, the utility was renamed to RI Energy. It serves approximately 97% of all Rhode Island electric customers across 38 of the state's 39 municipalities.
RI Energy administers residential energy efficiency programs funded by a ratepayer system benefits charge on every electric bill. These programs help homeowners reduce energy costs through FREE assessments, insulation rebates, heat pump water heater rebates, and coordination with Clean Heat RI for heat pump installations.
Unlike some states where efficiency programs are run by a third-party administrator, RI Energy manages its own programs directly. The utility also coordinates closely with Clean Heat RI -- Rhode Island's separate heat pump rebate program that offers 60% of cost (max $11,500) for standard households and 100% (max $18,000) for income-eligible households.
Every program available to RI homeowners in 2026. Click any card for the full deep-dive guide with step-by-step instructions, eligibility details, and cost breakdowns.
FREE 3-4 hour comprehensive assessment with blower door test, thermal imaging, and instant installations during the visit.
Attic, wall, basement, and air sealing. 75% off for all RI Energy customers. 100% off for income-eligible households.
Heat pump water heaters use 60-70% less electricity. $600 RI Energy rebate stackable with $2,500 Clean Heat RI.
Enhanced benefits: FREE assessment, 100% off insulation, enhanced HPWH rebate, appliance replacement, and priority scheduling.
60% of cost (max $11,500) standard. 100% of cost (max $18,000) income-eligible. RI was first in NE for HEAR.
Demand response program -- earn $225/kW summer incentive for battery storage. Reduce peak grid demand and earn money.
RI Energy offers two tiers. Both include the same comprehensive assessment -- the difference is insulation coverage and additional benefits.
Available to all RI Energy residential customers
At or below 60% AMI, LIHEAP, SNAP, RIte Care, SSI, Section 8
Also eligible if enrolled in LIHEAP, SNAP, RIte Care (Medicaid), SSI, Section 8, or utility discount rate.
Clean Heat RI is a separate heat pump rebate program -- not part of RI Energy's efficiency programs, but designed to stack with them. When you combine RI Energy rebates with Clean Heat RI, the savings are substantial. An RI Energy assessment is the recommended first step for Clean Heat RI applications.
Heat pump + insulation + HPWH project
Income-eligible households may receive 100% coverage.
Rhode Island was the FIRST state in New England to launch the HEAR low-income pathway on September 17, 2024. The low-income pathway is currently active for income-qualified households (at or below 80% AMI). RI has $36.4 million allocated. Full moderate-income pathway availability may expand. Apply through Clean Heat RI.
Key distinction: RI Energy rebates are direct rebates funded by RI ratepayers, not federal tax credits. They are unaffected by the federal expiration and remain fully available in 2026. The FREE assessment, 75% insulation discount, and HPWH rebate all continue as normal.
Rhode Island has one dominant utility (RI Energy) serving nearly all residents, plus two small municipal utilities with limited program access.
Statewide — serves ~97% of RI electric customers (38 of 39 municipalities)
Burrillville (Pascoag village area) — small municipal utility
Block Island (New Shoreham) — island utility with undersea cable
RI Energy is the rebranded name for National Grid Rhode Island (since 2023). It is now a subsidiary of PPL Corporation and serves approximately 97% of Rhode Island electric customers across 38 of 39 municipalities. RI Energy administers residential energy efficiency programs funded by a ratepayer system benefits charge on every electric bill.
The RI Energy Home Energy Assessment is completely FREE -- $0 copay. Unlike Connecticut ($50 copay) or some other states, RI charges nothing for the assessment. During the 3-4 hour visit, technicians install $200-$500 in free items including LED bulbs, a smart thermostat, showerheads, and pipe insulation.
Yes. RI Energy rebates and Clean Heat RI are separate programs that can be stacked. For example, you can receive the $600 RI Energy HPWH rebate PLUS the $2,500 Clean Heat RI HPWH rebate for $3,100 in total rebates. Income-eligible households may qualify for additional HEAR funding on top of that.
Income-eligible households (at or below 60% Area Median Income, or enrolled in LIHEAP, SNAP, RIte Care, SSI, or Section 8) receive enhanced benefits: 100% off insulation (vs 75% standard), enhanced HPWH rebate ($1,000+), and priority scheduling. For a household of four, the income threshold is approximately $61,200.
No. The Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit and Section 25D residential solar ITC both expired December 31, 2025. They provide $0 in 2026. RI Energy rebates are direct rebates funded by ratepayers, not federal tax credits, so they continue as normal. The HEAR program is partially active in RI -- the low-income pathway launched September 17, 2024.
Pascoag Utility District (Burrillville area, ~2% of RI customers) and Block Island Power Company (New Shoreham, ~1%) are small municipal utilities. They have limited access to RI Energy efficiency programs. Contact these utilities directly for their current rebate offerings. Block Island has the highest rates in RI at $0.35/kWh, making efficiency improvements especially valuable.
HEAR is PARTIALLY ACTIVE in RI. Rhode Island was the FIRST state in New England to launch the HEAR low-income pathway on September 17, 2024. The low-income pathway is currently active for income-qualified households (at or below 80% AMI). Full moderate-income pathway availability may expand. RI has $36.4 million allocated. Apply through Clean Heat RI.
Yes. The RI Energy Home Energy Assessment is REQUIRED before you can receive the 75% insulation rebate. The assessment identifies what insulation measures your home needs and determines your specific rebate amounts. The good news: the assessment is completely free ($0 copay) and includes $200-$500 in free installations during the visit.
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource to help Rhode Island homeowners understand and navigate RI Energy efficiency programs. All program details, rebate amounts, and eligibility requirements are sourced from rienergy.com, the RI Office of Energy Resources, and RI PUC filings. We recommend verifying current availability by calling RI Energy directly at 800-322-3223.
Dive deeper into specific topics with our comprehensive RI energy guides.
Total cost breakdown after Clean Heat RI rebates and stacking.
Performance data at RI design temps. Maritime climate advantages.
Full conversion analysis for oil-heated RI homes.
Post-ITC pricing with REF rebate and REG program stacking.
Stack solar with electrification for maximum RI savings.
80% retail credits and how they affect your solar ROI.
Schedule your FREE Home Energy Assessment and unlock 75% off insulation, HPWH rebates, and Clean Heat RI stacking. Income-eligible? Everything is 100% covered.
Schedule online at rienergy.com or call 800-322-3223