Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program is sponsored by Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RICC). Offers financial assistance to small businesses in Rhode Island for implementing energy efficiency improvements.

Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program The Rhode Island Commerce Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program is a statewide effort to assist small businesses reduce their energy costs by implementing measures that improve energy efficiency.

This program will reimburse small businesses up to $20,000 for energy efficiency measures implemented as the result of an energy efficiency audit. Applications submitted after June 10, 2026 will be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as additional funding becomes available.

Energy efficiency means using less electricity to perform the same tasks—reducing your utility bills while supporting a cleaner energy future.

By investing in efficiency, small businesses can: Lower monthly energy expenses Improve comfort and performance in their workspaces Contribute to Rhode Island’s clean energy goals Reduce reliance on fossil fuels as demand grows Up to 80% of project costs covered for businesses with less than $2 million in annual gross revenue Up to 70% of project costs covered for businesses with $2 million–$5 million in annual gross revenue Projects that leverage Rhode Island Energy incentives typically provide greater overall value, as they allow for financing options and additional discounts.

$10,000 maximum when combined with Rhode Island Energy or RISE incentives $20,000 maximum for independently completed projects Small businesses must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program: Have a gross annual revenue of $5 million or less Not be disbarred in the federal System of Account Management (SAM) Not be permanently closed Have been open and operating since January 31, 2024 Have a Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) Have a Rhode Island Letter of Good Standing (LOGS) or letter from their certified public accountant Not be owned by a nationally or regionally owned franchise Eligible Projects or Purchases include: LED lighting upgrades and controls Cooler/refrigeration controls Programmable WiFi thermostats Boiler and hot water controls Air sealing and building insulation Variable frequency drives Pumps and efficient motors Custom equipment and controls Removal knob-and-tube wiring Improvements to ventilation: Purchasing and installing a higher-grade filter within an existing air handling unit Central HVAC installation, repair, or balancing HVAC UVGI system installation Adding a portable fan filter unit (PFFU) Adding an indoor air purifier HRV system installation, repair or balancing Note: Solar panels are not eligible for reimbursement.

If you are interested in solar panel installations, please visit https://commerceri. com/renewable-energy-fund/ for more information. Have questions?

We’re here to help. Email us at energy. efficiency@commerceri.

com or call 401-278-9100 to connect with a Business Support Specialist.

Program Eligibility Requirements: Businesses with less than $2 million in annual gross revenues may qualify for up to 80% of costs covered Business between $2 million and $5 million in annual gross revenues may qualify for up to 70% of costs covered Eligible Projects or Purchases include: LED lighting upgrades and controls Cooler/refrigeration controls Programmable WiFi thermostats Boiler and hot water controls Air sealing and building insulation Variable frequency drives Pumps and efficient motors Custom equipment and controls Removal knob-and-tube wiring Improvements to ventilation: Purchasing and installing a higher-grade filter within an existing air handling unit Central HVAC installation, repair, or balancing HVAC UVGI system installation Adding a portable fan filter unit (PFFU) Adding an indoor air purifier HRV system installation, repair or balancing Heat Pumps (see Guide to Heat Pumps document) Energy assessments must be performed in 2026 and can be done by any of the approved entities below: Rhode Island Energy’s Small Business Program delivered by RISE Engineering: complete this form or call 877-784-3709 to schedule a no cost audit Block Island Power Company The Clear River Electric and Water District Licensed and Registered Contractors * To verify registered and licensed contractors (commercial roofers, home inspectors, underground utility, water filtration, well drilling, pump installers, etc.), visit https://crb.

ri. gov/ To verify licensed trades professionals (alarm business and agents, electricians, hoisting engineers, mechanical, and plumbers/irrigators, etc.), visit https://dlt. ri.

gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation *Only energy assessments/audits conducted by a Rhode Island registered and licensed professional will be accepted for the RI Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) View full document: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) View full document: Guide to Heat Pumps (PDF) This effort is a partnership between Rhode Island Commerce, Rhode Island Energy, RISE Engineering and the Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4).