As part of the New England Clean Energy Council’s (NECEC) Third Annual Rhode Island Clean Energy Day, executives representing NECEC member companies visited the Rhode Island State House today to showcase the state’s vibrant clean energy industry and the benefits it provides Rhode Island.

“Rhode Island’s clean energy businesses are bringing new technologies to market and delivering important renewable energy and energy efficiency services to businesses and residents both within Rhode Island and throughout the region, making our energy cleaner and more affordable,” said NECEC President Peter Rothstein. “We look forward to showcasing the state’s growing clean energy businesses and honoring our Clean Energy Champion who has shown great leadership in advancing clean energy in the Ocean State.”

NECEC, the lead voice for hundreds of clean energy companies across New England, influencing the energy policy agenda and growing the clean energy economy, released its 2015 Rhode Island Clean Energy Policy Priorities today, which outline key legislative priorities to advance clean energy in Rhode Island.

As part of Rhode Island Clean Energy Day, NECEC will present its 2015 Clean Energy Champion award to Marion Gold, Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources. During her tenure as Commissioner, Gold successfully spearheaded the stakeholder engagement process to develop the state’s Energy Plan, which calls for 40 percent renewables by 2035. She also championed legislation such as last year's renewable energy growth program and worked with CommerceRI to launch Solarize Rhode Island.

"I'm honored to receive this award recognizing OER's work to advance clean energy in Rhode Island," said OER Commissioner Marion Gold. "There are great opportunities in Rhode Island to create jobs and build our economy while developing a more secure, clean and affordable energy system. The energy system of the future will include more energy efficiency, increased use of renewable resources and smart grid applications. We look forward to working with public and private groups throughout Rhode Island to make this future a reality."

Rhode Island Clean Energy Day showcases the growing vitality of the clean energy industry and the importance of consistent policy support as a means of catalyzing the state and regional economy. Rhode Island Clean Energy Champion awards are awarded to lawmakers and public officials who go above and beyond to advance clean energy in Rhode Island.

About NECEC (New England Clean Energy Council and NECEC Institute)

NECEC is a regional non-profit clean energy business, policy and innovation organization whose mission is to accelerate the region’s clean energy economy to global leadership by building an active community of stakeholders and a world-class cluster of companies. NECEC works with clean energy businesses and entrepreneurs, policymakers and other stakeholders in the clean energy sector in New England and the Northeast through programs and initiatives that advance clean energy markets and help clean energy businesses access the resources they need to grow.