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Three Communities Kick-off Fall Solarize RI Campaign

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Barrington, Bristol and South Kingstown Launch solar campaigns

Providence, R.I., – Representatives from the Office of Energy Resources (OER), the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the non-profit organization SmartPower joined with municipal leaders today to announce the three communities that will participate in the Fall 2017 Solarize Rhode Island program.

“Riding on the heels of the tremendous success of Solarize’s spring round, we are excited to have the towns of Barrington, Bristol and South Kingstown join us for the new season,” said Carol Grant, Commissioner, Office of Energy Resources. “This will be the second round of participation for all three towns, which is a testament to the effectiveness of this program and shows that town leaders and residents are enthusiastic about doing their part to build a clean energy future in RI.”

“The expansion of Solarize RI provides a great opportunity for residents and small businesses to lower their energy bill, while at the same time ramping up the state’s green energy efforts,” said Rhode Island Commerce Corporation President Darin Early. “Lowering energy costs and accelerating the use of green technologies are key components in our strategy to bettering the business climate and quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.”

Three new municipalities were selected through a request for application process to participate in the Fall round of Solarize – Barrington, Bristol and South Kingstown will be kicking off their programs on October 27th and residents in all three municipalities can sign up to participate in the program starting immediately. Municipal representatives from each community and their chosen installers will be present for a kick-off event at the Kingstown Free Library on October 26th at 1pm.

“Now more than ever it’s important to Solarize,” said Brian F. Keane, President of SmartPower. “Each day we are seeing the tragedies of climate change as our fellow citizens grapple with the results of major hurricanes and wildfires. Solarize offers each of us an opportunity to be a part of the solution while helping our own communities and our own households.”

Solarize Rhode Island is a community-based outreach campaign that seeks to increase the adoption of small-scale solar electricity in participating communities through a competitive tiered pricing structure that increases the savings for everyone as more home and business owners sign contracts. Now in its third year, Solarize Rhode Island, a partnership between the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), the Commerce Corporation, and the non-profit marketing firm SmartPower, has led to more than 595 residents and business owners in 15 municipalities signing contracts for small-scale solar electricity systems.

In addition to Rhode Island residents and businesses signing up for Solar, the campaign educates hundreds and even thousands more Rhode Islanders about the economic and environmental benefits of solar electricity, energy efficiency and other clean energy technologies.

Barrington, Bristol, and South Kingstown ran successful Solarize campaigns in 2015 and 2016 resulting in over 100 new solar installations combined.

“The Town of South Kingstown is excited to be participating in its second round of the Solarize Program.” said Stephen A. Alfred, Town Manager, “We felt this program was extremely successful during our initial participation in the Fall of 2015.  This new round of Solarize will raise awareness of opportunities to adopt renewable energy systems on residential and commercial properties and provide local citizens with additional cost savings.”

Kate Weymouth, Vice President of the Barrington Town Council stated: “The Town of Barrington is pleased to be part of the second round of Solarize RI, the first round was a great success with 45 contracts signed. We are eager to work with the employee owned, RI-based solar installation company, Sol Power, and look forward to increasing the number of Barrington households with solar energy capabilities.”

“The Town of Bristol is excited to be selected to participate in the next round of the Solarize Program.” stated Town Manager, Steven Contente. “This partnership with the RI Office of Energy Resources is a great opportunity and gives residents easier access to renewable energy.  This is Bristol’s second time to be selected and we look forward to seeing continued interest in the program by our residents.”

Upcoming events, open houses and information tabling in each community will be scheduled in the coming weeks. For more information about these events, to sign up or find out more about Solarize RI contact Malinda Howard or Karen Stewart at: 401-215-3285 or go to www.solarizeri.com.

About Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is the lead state agency on energy policy and programs. OER’s mission is to lead Rhode Island to a secure, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future. OER works closely with private and public stakeholders to increase the reliability and security of our energy supply, reduce energy costs and mitigate price volatility, and improve environmental quality. www.energy.ri.gov

About Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is the official economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island. The Commerce Corporation’s mission is to work with public, private and non-profit partners to create the conditions for businesses in all sectors to thrive and to improve the quality of life for our citizens by promoting the state’s long-term economic health and prosperity. The corporation manages the state’s Renewable Energy Fund, which provides grants and loans for renewable energy projects with the potential to make electricity in a cleaner, more sustainable manner, while stimulating job growth in the green technology and energy sectors of Rhode Island’s economy. www.commerceri.com

About SmartPower

SmartPower is the nation’s leading non-profit social marketing firm dedicated to promoting clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Named the “Best Non-profit Marketing Firm in the US”, SmartPower’s mission is to help Americans make smart energy choices by creating on-the-ground campaigns that engage the public and generate measurable energy actions. www.smartpower.org

SmartPower President Receives $50,000 Frank Hatch “Sparkplug” Award

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Brian F. Keane, SmartPower Founder, is recipient of John Merck Fund’s Highest Award

Boston – Brian F. Keane, President of the nonprofit clean energy organization, SmartPower, was awarded the $50,000 Frank Hatch “Sparkplug” Award for Enlightened Public Service by The John Merck Fund today. The award is granted annually to an outstanding leader whose work embodies extraordinary creativity, dedication, and foresight.

“Brian’s vision, energy, and passion exemplify the purpose of the Sparkplug Award,” said Serena H. Whitridge, Chair of The John Merck Fund board, in presenting the award. “SmartPower’s unrivaled success in helping to mainstream clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency to the American people has changed the consumer and environmental landscape in ways once thought simply unimaginable.”

The Fund, one of the original funders of SmartPower, created the Frank Hatch Sparkplug award in 2006 to honor its longtime former chairman, Frank Hatch. Ms. Whitridge is Frank Hatch’s daughter.

“Fifteen years ago The John Merck Fund – and specifically Frank Hatch – helped create SmartPower,” said Keane. “To me Frank Hatch has always been a political leader, an environmental hero – and a personal mentor. And now, to receive this award in Frank’s name is beyond humbling. It is, of course, personally and professionally gratifying. But beyond that I accept this award as a legacy of Frank Hatch’s dedication and life’s work. And to be sure, we will in turn rededicate ourselves to continuing Frank’s work and the work of The John Merck Fund.”

Brian Keane and his wife Kate Sawyer Keane are contributing the award to SmartPower.

“The work of Brian Keane and SmartPower is a testament that big and bold ideas can be put into action,” said Ms. Whitridge. “When the experts said clean energy could never be cost competitive with conventional energy, SmartPower went and proved it could be. The experts said Americans would never want to buy solar energy for their homes, they said clean energy and energy efficiency could never be mainstreamed and embedded into American culture. Look around you – hybrid and electric cars, solar power, and Nest Thermostats are everywhere. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Brian F. Keane.”

SmartPower is based in Washington, DC, and works in communities from coast to coast helping American consumers embrace clean energy and become more energy efficient.

SmartPower President Brian F. Keane Named CEO of The Year

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Washington, DC – Brian F. Keane, the President of SmartPower (www.smartPower.org), the nation’s leading non-profit marketing firm dedicated to promoting clean energy and energy efficiency has been named the 2016 CEO of the Year by Corporate LiveWire.

Each year Corporate LiveWire publishes and celebrates the innovation and excellence of those firms, teams and individuals who have shown continued excellence, and innovation amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.

You can download the full Press Release HERE – or read it on one of the following news outlets:

SmartPower & National Grid Win EPA Excellence Award

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Rhode Island Energy Challenge: “Find Your Four” Campaign Honored

WASHINGTON – PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Today,

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the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will recognize National Grid and SmartPower for their innovative work on clean air and climate with the 2016 Clean Air Excellence Award. The Clean Air Excellence Awards are given to state, local, tribal, and private sector programs that educate the public in improving air quality or reducing harmful air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

This year the EPA Announced 7 Clean Air Excellence Awards in six categories (1) Education and Outreach; (2) Clean Air Technology; (3) Community Action; (4) Regulatory and Policy Innovation; (5) Transportation and Energy Innovation; (6) The Thomas W. Zosel Individual Award.

National Grid and SmartPower have been awarded in the Education and Outreach category for The Rhode Island Energy Challenge: Find Your Four! Campaign. The grassroots energy efficiency campaign encouraged customers across Rhode Island to ‘find four’ simple energy reductions they can undertake in their homes or businesses. Consumer knowledge on the need to reduce energy consumption and associating greenhouse gas emissions saw a demonstrated increase, with 90 percent of participating homeowners taking at least one energy reduction effort, and 75 percent of participating homeowners indicating improved understanding of their energy use.

“Each of these award winners has taken real, tangible steps to improve public health in their communities by reducing air pollutants or greenhouse gases,” said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “These projects reflect the creativity and commitment of public and private sector organizations to make a difference and drive us toward a cleaner, healthier future.”

“The Rhode Island Energy Challenge is the embodiment of our motto – ‘Here with you. Here for you,’” said Timothy F. Horan, President of National Grid of Rhode Island. “And working with SmartPower we’ve been able to connect and work with cities and towns throughout the state to save energy.”

“It’s a huge honor to share this award with National Grid,” said Brian F. Keane, President of SmartPower. “Clean Air Excellence isn’t simply an award – it’s a way of life that we need to ensure for all Americans. And it’s clear that National Grid, the state of Rhode Island and ‘Find Your Four’ are leading the way!”

The Clean Air Excellence awards program was established in 2000, and recognizes individuals that serve as pioneers in their fields, advance public understanding of air pollution and improve air quality. Entries are judged by the EPA and the Clean Air Advisory Committee, and winners will be recognized later today at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

View the original Press Release HERE!

SmartPower Named 2016 Marketing Agency of the Year!

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Selected As Silver Winner by American Business Awards

silverSmartPower has been named the winner of a Silver Stevie® Award in the Marketing Agency of the Year category in The 14th Annual American Business Awards.

The American Business Awards are the nation’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

SmartPower was selected for the Silver Award from over 3,400 nominations

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from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry. More than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

This is the second major award SmartPower has won since December when we were named “The Best Non-Profit Marketing Firm” in the US by Wealth and Finance Magazine earlier this year.

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SmartPower’s “Solarize” Hits $100 Million in Rooftop Solar!

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Non-Profit Announces Major Financial Milestone Made With Less Than $3.5m Investments

Washington, DC – SmartPower, the nation’s leading non-profit marketing firm dedicated to promoting clean energy and energy efficiency today announced a major milestone in its “Solarize” group-purchasing program. In just 3 years – and with investments of less than $3.5 million — the SmartPower Solarize campaigns have resulted in over $100 million of residential solar energy. “This is a major milestone for SmartPower and our Solarize campaigns,” said Brian F. Keane, President of SmartPower. “With investments of less than $3.5 million, we have created over $100 million worth of solar energy throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. It’s a major achievement for the solar industry, the environment and our economy.” SmartPower’s announcement comes amid recent high profile losses among some of the industry’s largest solar companies, the most recent being SunEdison’s stunning demise. Once the darling of the solar industry, SunEdison today teeters on bankruptcy. “We know this is an emerging market,” said SmartPower’s Keane. “What we’re seeing today is similar to the tech boom of the 1990’s. Some companies will thrive, and others will not. But the lesson in our announcement today is that in this emerging marketplace, our Solarize group-buy model, backed by key funders who support clean, renewable energy and utilizing pre-selected solar installers, makes residential and small commercial solar a sound investment that can scale up quickly with minimal risk.” Key features of the Solarize model include support by local communities, pre-selected solar installers with competitive pricing, attractive financing options including a zero-dollar down option, and a 16-20 week campaign with a clear end date. This SmartPower formula has resulted in over 20,000 homeowners requesting solar site visits to see if their homes are good for solar. In 2012 with a grant from The John Merck Fund and an investment from The Connecticut Green Bank, SmartPower launched “The New England Solar Challenge”, a residential solar campaign that morphed into Solarize Connecticut and various “Solarize” campaigns throughout New England. In Connecticut alone, over 18MW of residential solar were installed in three years bringing solar to over 2,000 Connecticut residents. “Added together, these households are greater than any utility-scale solar array in New England,” continued Keane. “And we did it in less time than any utility could.” The numbers at a glance: In three years-

  • $100 million of solar installed
  • Less than $3.5 million invested
  • More than 3500 residential homes “solarized”
  • More than 20,000 residents inquired about solar energy for their homes
  • More than 28 MW installed
  • More than 25,000 metric tons of Green House Gases Reduced Annually

About Smartpower Founded in 2002 by a group of private foundations to help support the growth of clean energy, SmartPower’s mission is to help Americans make smart energy choices. Recently named the “best non-profit marketing firm in the US”. SmartPower’s exclusive

focus on energy efficiency and clean energy results in high visibility, high impact on-the-ground community campaigns designed to transform how consumers use, adopt and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency. SmartPower is leading Solarize campaigns in multiple states. For more information, please visit www.smartpower.org

Press Release: Solarize Columbia Day

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Mayor Benjamin and City Council to proclaim “Solarize Columbia Day” New partnership is the latest step towards a greener more sustainable Columbia

Columbia, SC – Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and City Council will issue a proclamation today making the City of Columbia the most recent South Carolina community to embrace the Solarize South Carolina Campaign. The Proclamation announces the partnership between the City of Columbia, Solarize South Carolina, and the nonprofit SmartPower. The city is now the first municipality in the Midlands to officially participate the new, statewide, residential solar power initiative. Solarize South Carolina is a community outreach program designed to help Columbia residents go solar and save on electricity costs. When 60 or more Columbian residents sign a contract for solar before January 31, 2016, the

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City will earn a free 5 kW solar system for any of its municipal buildings. Solarize South Carolina is an initiative of the nonprofit organization SmartPower (www.smartpower.org) and solar financing company Dividend Solar. Solarize South Carolina’s goal is to outfit 2,000 homes across the state with solar over the next 18 months. Operating statewide, Solarize South Carolina hopes to triple the amount of residential solar, helping homeowners save money and creating new jobs across the state. “Columbia is proud to be a statewide leader in Solarize South Carolina,” said Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin. “Working together with SmartPower and all our local community organizations, we will help make Columbia – and South Carolina – a true leader in solar power!” This is the latest in a series of green initiatives for the City of Columbia which include installing electric car charging pods in city parking garages and energy efficient lighting in city buildings as well as encouraging green commuting, keeping 13 tons of electronics out of landfills through the E-waste recycling program and working to protect our waterways and drinking water by recycling 400 gallons of used cooking oil through the Southern Fried Fuel initiative. Now the City will be taking the next step to promote using the cleanest resource we have that residents feel every day – the sun. Solarize Columbia will accelerate the adoption of solar and increase public awareness of new solar-friendly state rules that allow net metering, giving significant financial advantage to residents who go solar. Solarize South Carolina makes it even easier for residents to go solar by offering a zero-down financing option to make solar more affordable, allowing homeowners to save immediately on energy bills. By signing up on the Solarize SC website (www.solarizesc.org), homeowners will be able to quickly find out if their home is compatible for solar with a free, no obligation solar assessment by a pre-screened local installer. Residents should check “Columbia” under Affiliation to ensure that the City gets credit for customers who go solar. The Net-Metering program from SCE&G credits the renewable energy producer at the same rate the utility charges for service. The excess energy that is not used by the producer is then pushed back into the energy grid at the same rate. The newly enacted Net-Metering 2.0 will still credit the producer at the same rate, but will now buy all produced energy at a wholesale rate. “If you have ever thought about going solar, there’s never been a better time,” said Sara Hummel Rajca, SmartPower’s Community Outreach Manager for Solarize South Carolina. “With Columbia’s leadership, tax incentives, low cost financing, and all our neighbors joining in this community campaign, going solar just makes sense!” Solarize Columbia kicks off with its first event September 3. For more information about Solarize South Carolina and Solarize Columbia, contact Solarize South Carolina Community Outreach Manager Sara Hummel Rajca at shummelrajca@smartpower.org. Residents who want to see if their home is good for solar can get started at www.solarizesc.org. Upcoming Solarize South Carolina Events: Sept. 3: The Basics of Solar at Richland Library Northeast, 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 10: The Basics of Solar at University of South Carolina Green Quad, 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 12: Solar Info Table at Soda City Farmers Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sept. 16: The Basics of Solar at Richland Library Southeast, 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 19: Solar Info Table at National Drive Electric Week at Whole Foods, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sept. 23: Solar Lunch Break at University of South Carolina Green Quad, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sept. 30: The Basics of Solar at Richland Library Cooper, 6:30-8 p.m. #####

About SmartPower:

SmartPower is an award-winning nonprofit organization that works on behalf of municipalities, utilities, businesses, foundations, state agencies and the federal government to turbo-charge energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts. Through innovative on- the-ground campaigns using friendly competitions and challenges, SmartPower is able to create measurable results and save energy. www.smartpower.org

About Dividend Solar:

Dividend Solar is a leading solar financing company that partners with local installers across the U.S. to offer its $0-down EmpowerLoan. bando maps With performance guarantees, warranty management and system production monitoring included with every loan, the EmpowerLoan offers a better, simpler way for solar ownership. www.dividendsolar.com

Charleston Post & Courier: Let’s Solarize!

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SCSolarInstallers_BUZZ_082515In case you missed it, The Charleston Post & Courier, the most popular newspaper in South Carolina, recently wrote about our Solarize South Carolina Campaign.

“Solar is here and now’s the time to get started,”

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community outreach manager for SmartPower in the Lowcountry. You can check out the entire article here, at the Post & Courier. bandovetinh

Press Release: Solar Opportunities Rise Following Success of Solarize Rhode Island

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Tiverton and Little Compton Collectively Double Solar Installations

Providence, R.I. – Governor Gina M. Raimondo, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), Commerce RI and SmartPower today announced that Solarize Tiverton and Little Compton, community campaigns to drive solar adoption in Rhode Island, have closed with a dramatic increase of solar adopters. In total, over 55 homeowners and businesses went solar, doubling the amount of solar in the towns. Solarize Tiverton and Little Compton are initiatives of SmartPower, a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance clean energy, along with OER and Commerce RI.

“It is great to see so many Rhode Island families and businesses in Tiverton and Little Compton taking advantage of these solar energy initiatives,” said Raimondo. “With our region facing high energy costs, solar provides an important opportunity to both lower costs and promote clean energy. The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, Commerce RI, and SmartPower are doing great work, and I look forward to these community campaigns continuing to grow across the state.”

The number of solar installations in Rhode Island is expected to increase with the scheduled launch of two new programs. National Grid’s Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program starts on June 15, which allows customers to earn “bill credits” for the energy they produce from their solar as well as an incentive payment for any excess production. In addition, Dividend Solar, a solar financing

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company, will partner with SmartPower to offer a loan product that allows customers to own their solar systems with no out of pocket cost and achieve immediate savings on their energy bills – all combined with an extended system warranty and production guarantee.

“We are thrilled to see the strong support of solar following the Solarize Tiverton and Little Compton campaigns,” said OER Commissioner Marion Gold. “It is clear there is a growing interest in going solar in Rhode Island. This renewable energy source gives consumers the chance to save money on their utility bills and reduce energy consumption. With new financing opportunities forthcoming, I look forward to continuing this exciting work with our partners.”

“Solarize programs are proven to spur the solar industry in the states where we work by raising awareness and providing educational resources for homeowners,” said SmartPower’s President Brian F. Keane. “At the same time, we’re seeing costs are coming down so much –both in the cost of the hardware and through bundled purchasing – that the installation costs drop another 20 percent. With the introduction of National Grid’s REG program and Dividend Solar’s zero down financing, going solar in Rhode Island is a no-brainer.”

There are currently 1.853 megawatts of small scale solar PV installed in Rhode Island. These programs are expected to bring 3 megawatts of additional small scale solar capacity to the state in the next year, spurring investment in the state and creating jobs as Rhode Islanders reduce their energy bills and become more energy independent.

“Dividend Solar is excited to bring a simple path to solar ownership to Rhode Island and enable Rhode Islanders to maximize their savings while supporting their local community,” said Eric White, President of Dividend Solar. “We look forward to helping homeowners make the decision to go solar easier than ever with the EmpowerLoan.”

For more information on the Renewable Energy Growth Program, please visit nationalgridus.com.

About Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is the lead state agency on energy policy and programs. OER’s mission is to lead Rhode Island to a secure, cost-effective, and sustainable energy future. OER works closely with private and public stakeholders to increase the reliability and security of our energy supply, reduce energy costs and mitigate against price volatility, and improve environmental quality.www.energy.ri.gov

About SmartPower:

SmartPower is an award-winning nonprofit organization that works on behalf of municipalities, utilities, businesses, foundations, state agencies and the federal government to turbo-charge energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts. Through innovative on- the-ground campaigns using friendly competitions and challenges, SmartPower is able to create measureable results and save energy. www.smartpower.org

About Dividend Solar:

Dividend Solar is a leading solar financing company that partners with local installers across the U.S. to offer its $0-down EmpowerLoan. With performance guarantees, warranty management and system production monitoring included with every loan, the EmpowerLoan offers a better, simpler way for solar ownership. www.dividendsolar.com