Chafee holds signing for three energy bills

PAWTUCKET – Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee this month hosted a ceremonial signing at Slater Mill for three bills that aim to increase local renewable energy while allowing Rhode Island to participate in the development of a clean, secure, regional energy system.
The bills were the Affordable Clean Energy Security Act, the Renewable Energy Growth Program and an amendment to an Act Relating to Business and Professions – Electricians and Plumbers (Renewable Energy Professional Certificate).
The Affordable Clean Energy Security Act allows Rhode Island to participate in regional efforts to address energy reliability and price volatility challenges through the pursuit of cost-effective energy-infrastructure projects. The Renewable Energy Growth Program expands the current Distributed Generation Contracts Program to 200 megawatts of capacity for in-state renewable energy systems and expands the program to include small-scale solar systems.
Additionally, the Renewable Energy Professional Certificate updated electrical and plumber-licensing laws to clarify the roles of electricians and Renewable Energy Professionals working on renewable project installations. •