Rhode Island Energy offers a variety of rebate and incentive programs to help commercial customers reduce energy costs and upgrade to high-efficiency equipment. These programs cover a wide range of needs, from lighting and HVAC to water heating and food service equipment, making it easier for businesses to invest in energy-saving solutions.

Small Business Rebates: Boosting Savings and Efficiency

The Small Business Services program provides eligible customers with a no-cost energy assessment and financial support to implement recommended upgrades. Rhode Island Energy will cover up to 70% of installation and equipment costs. The remaining balance can be paid in one of two ways: over 24 months on your electric bill or in a lump sum with an extra 15% discount off your share.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Annual electric usage of 1.5 million kWh or less
• Annual gas usage of 40,000 therms or less

Upgrades may include lighting retrofits, energy management systems, refrigeration improvements, and other energy-saving measures. These improvements can deliver annual savings of up to 30%.

Instant Rebates: Streamlined Savings at Point-of-Sale

Rhode Island Energy offers Instant Rebates through participating distributors. These rebates are applied at the time of purchase and cover a wide range of energy-efficient equipment.

LED Lighting Rebates

Lighting is a common area for energy waste, and LEDs offer a simple, cost-effective solution. Rhode Island Energy provides instant rebates for a variety of LED products.

Incentive highlights include:

• T8 and T5 LED tubes: $2–$15 per unit
• High and low bay fixtures: $50–$250
• Exterior lighting: $70–$215
• Stairwell and retrofit kits: $20–$100

LEDs reduce energy usage by up to 90% compared to conventional lighting and last significantly longer, cutting maintenance costs.

Food Service Equipment Incentives

Commercial kitchens can benefit from high-efficiency equipment that reduces energy use and operating costs. Rhode Island Energy offers rebates on a wide array of food service products.

Examples of available rebates:

• Electric combination ovens: Up to $4,000 per cavity
• Gas fryers: $1,300 per vat
• Dishwashers: $500–$2,000 depending on type
• Refrigerators and freezers: $150–$450 per unit

These incentives can reduce kitchen energy use by as much as 30% without sacrificing performance.

Water Heater Rebates

Businesses using natural gas can access point-of-sale rebates for energy-efficient water heaters.

Available incentives include:

• Storage and volume water heaters: $2.00/Mbtuh
• Tankless units: $1.00/Mbtuh
• Indirect water heaters: $200 per unit

Additional equipment like gas pool heaters and commercial clothes washers may also qualify.

Heating and Cooling Rebates

Upgrading your HVAC system is one of the most impactful ways to reduce energy consumption. Rhode Island Energy offers HVAC rebates across a wide range of systems.

Incentives include:

• Split system and packaged air conditioners: Up to $100 per ton
• Ducted and ductless heat pumps: Up to $125 per ton
• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems: Up to $175 per ton
• Energy recovery ventilators and economizer controls: $0.50/CFM and $125
• HVLS fans and ECM pumps: $100–$2,000 per unit

Equipment must meet Rhode Island Energy’s minimum efficiency standards and be purchased through approved distributors.

Cold Storage and Refrigeration Equipment

For facilities with cold storage needs, like grocery stores or warehouses, rebates are available on high-efficiency refrigeration equipment.

Eligible upgrades may include:

• Evaporator fans
• Condensing units
• Demand-controlled ventilation systems

These measures improve system performance while lowering energy use and refrigeration costs.

Conclusion

Rhode Island Energy Rebates make energy efficiency easier and more affordable for commercial customers. Whether you’re upgrading lighting, HVAC, kitchen appliances, or water heating systems, these programs can significantly reduce upfront costs and long-term energy expenses.

Incentive Rebate360 can connect you with rebate programs nationwide, so you don’t leave any money on the table. To speak to one of our rebate recovery specialists, call 480-653-8180, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below!