Energy efficiency improvements can help small businesses and nonprofit organizations reduce energy use while enhancing day-to-day operations.
South County Art Association (SCAA), a Kingston-based nonprofit, saw those benefits firsthand following a lighting upgrade project completed in partnership with Rhode Island Energy across two historic buildings the organization owns and operates.
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SCAA began working with Rhode Island Energy’s Small Business Program in early 2025, starting with a no-cost energy assessment conducted by the program’s energy services partner.
During the assessment, energy specialists evaluated lighting systems throughout both buildings and identified opportunities to improve efficiency and performance through LED upgrades.
“Many small businesses don’t know where to start when it comes to energy efficiency,” said Brian Clark, Energy Specialist, Small Business Services for RISE. “Our role is to provide that guidance, helping businesses like the South County Art Association find practical solutions that improve comfort, reduce energy use and support long-term sustainability.”
For SCAA, lighting was a natural place to begin. With galleries, classrooms and shared spaces in regular use, improving lighting would not only reduce energy consumption but also enhance the overall experience for visitors, artists and staff.
A Simple Upgrade with Meaningful Results
Following the assessment, SCAA moved forward with a lighting project that replaced older fixtures with high-efficiency LED technology. The installation was completed in April 2025, just a few months after the initial walkthrough.
Like many energy efficiency projects, the upgrade was designed to be minimally disruptive, allowing SCAA to continue its programming without interruption.
“The energy assessment was an easy process,” said Jen Ferry, Executive Director of SCAA. “They walked us through both of our buildings, gave us some ideas and explained what they could do for us. A couple of weeks later, they came back, made the changes, and now we’re seeing the difference in our energy bill.”
In addition to reducing energy use, the new lighting has improved visibility and consistency throughout the space, an important benefit for an organization centered on visual arts.
For a nonprofit operating out of buildings dating back to 1759 and 1802, neither originally designed with energy efficiency in mind, these improvements provide both immediate energy savings benefits and long-term operational value.
“When local businesses choose to invest in energy efficiency, they’re making a smart decision for both their bottom line and their community,” said Alyssa Dupont, Small Business EE Program Manager for Rhode Island Energy. “Seeing South County Art Association benefit from these upgrades is exactly why our Small Business Program exists—to support the people and places that make Rhode Island thrive.”
Getting Started with Energy Efficiency
SCAA’s experience highlights a simple path forward for other Rhode Island small businesses and nonprofits looking to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
It starts with a no-cost energy assessment, where experts identify opportunities tailored to each facility. From there, businesses can explore upgrades such as lighting improvements, HVAC enhancements and other energy-saving solutions—often supported by incentives that help offset initial costs.
For many organizations, these projects can be completed quickly and begin delivering savings almost immediately.
To learn more about Rhode Island Energy’s Small Business Program and available incentives, visit: RIEnergy.com/small-business.
