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June 29, 2006

Carcieri signs energy bill

PROVIDENCE -- Governor Carcieri signed an energy bill into law this afternoon, a move that helps low-income residents and pushes the state towards increased use of renewable energy.

The bill is designed to "increase energy resources, increase energy conservation, ensure a safety net for low-income families, and bring down the cost of energy for all Rhode Islanders," according to a statement released this afternoon by Carcieri's office.

Under the new law the state will:

-- Merge its two engergy funds to create an even larger funding source for investment in renewable resources. This would move about $7 million toward renewable energy, helping achieve Carcieri's stated goal of obtaining 15 percent of the state’s electricity requirements from wind power.

-- Create the Office of Energy Resources to conduct long-term energy planning.

-- Discount gas and electric rates and discount heating oil procurement for low-income families with money from the gross receipts tax on electricity and natural gas, and a portion of the sales tax on heating oil.

-- Encourage natural gas efficiency by increasing the rebates to consumers who purchase energy efficient equipment.

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 4:34 PM | Permalink

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