The “Energy Explained RI” video series takes a closer look at some of the energy issues that impact our lives here in Rhode Island. Brought to you by the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.

Do you ever look at your electric bill and wonder what exactly you’re paying for? It can be confusing, so we’ll break it down for you. In Rhode Island, your utility – the company sending you the bill – doesn’t create the electricity. It buys the power from generation companies and sells it to you at the same rate they pay. Electricity supply rates are affected by many factors that are out of our control — like resource availability, geopolitical conflict, global markets, and financial speculation. The most effective tool we have to reduce prices is reducing our demand.

For more information, visit rienergy.com/RI-Home/About-Your-Bill.

Every year, energy efficiency in Rhode Island prevents over 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere, generates around $600 million dollars in economic activity, and creates over a thousand jobs. Energy efficiency upgrades can lower your energy bills, enhance the comfort of your space, and increase your property value. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, business owner, non-profit, farmer, or municipality – there’s a program for you! The first step is to schedule a free energy assessment through Rhode Island Energy.

For more information, visit energy.ri.gov/energy-efficiency.

Climate change is having serious consequences, and it’s on track to get worse in the years ahead. In Rhode Island, we’re seeing sea level rise, shorter winters, longer summers, and more extreme weather events like intense storms and rainfall. It might sound like just weather, but these effects pose significant risks to our infrastructure, economy, environment, and public health. Communities of color and low-income populations are disproportionately harmed – both by the pollution from fossil fuel infrastructure and from the effects of climate change.

For more information, visit climatechange.ri.gov.

As we use them today, fossil fuels are dirty and prone to significant price increases. Every time we start our gas-powered cars or turn on our oil heat, we release carbon and other gases into the air that warm the planet and drive climate change. We need to decarbonize our energy use by shifting away from fossil fuels and by transitioning to clean, renewable sources of energy. The transition is already underway, and you can help. Make your home as energy efficient as possible, replace fossil fuel vehicles and appliances with electric ones, and choose renewable energy.

For more information, visit energy.ri.gov/heating-cooling/renewables.

The goal of demand response is to avoid extreme peaks in electricity usage by leveling out when it’s being used and reducing the overall amount being used. Demand response minimizes the need for expensive and dirty peak energy, and can help keep electric rates lower for everyone. You can take simple steps like running your dishwasher or doing laundry early in the morning or late at night when there is less demand for electricity. On hot summer afternoons, consider turning your air conditioner thermostat up a couple degrees when demand is peaking.

For more information, visit rienergy.com/RI-Home/ConnectedSolutions.