RIHousing, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, Rhode Island Energy announce over $1.2 million in funding for development of energy–efficient housing  

PROVIDENCE, RI – RIHousing, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), and Rhode Island Energy announced the release of a Request for Proposals for the fourth round of funding from the Zero Energy for the Ocean State (ZEOS) program. This latest round offers over $1.2 million in funding to assist in the development of energy-efficient housing in Rhode Island. 

“The ZEOS program continues to be a vital funding source for developers committed to building affordable homes in Rhode Island,” said Carol Ventura, CEO & Executive Director of RIHousing. “We’re proud to administer ZEOS alongside our program partners and remain dedicated to supporting the construction of energy-efficient developments throughout the state.” 

ZEOS, a partnership program between RIHousing, OER and RI Energy, aims to support development teams that want to design and construct affordable, energy-efficient housing for low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders. Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) are energy-efficient buildings with zero net energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by a building on an annual basis is less than or equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. Including energy-saving technology — like air source heat pumps, solar arrays, and electric vehicle charging – help to make these homes truly affordable to the residents by drastically lowering utility costs. 

“OER is committed to making investments in collaboration with RIHousing and RI Energy on energy efficient housing with our affordable housing community throughout Rhode Island,” said Acting Rhode Island Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns. “Energy efficient buildings provide long-term energy savings for households and contribute to the state’s energy emission reductions to meet our Act on Climate objectives.” 

This fourth round of ZEOS funding is the highest yet since the program started in 2019. The most recent round, awarded in 2023, went to four developments across the state: Tempo and Summer Street in Providence, Sandywoods in Tiverton, and Cardinal Lane in Hopkinton. To date, ZEOS has supported the development of 418 net zero housing units. 

“We take great pride in this effort, along with RIHousing and the OER, to support our communities as they pursue sustainable and efficient energy measures,” said Greg Cornett, Rhode Island Energy president. “The ZEOS program paves a path for more of our residential customers—including those of low and moderate incomes—to access the many benefits of energy efficiency.” 

The over $1.2 million in funding is subject to availability. Submissions for this RFP will be accepted until April 7, 2025 via: https://osa.rihousing.com/funds/94. Total awards may not exceed $300,000 per project and are limited to $18,200 per unit for 1-4 family developments. Buildings must qualify as ZEB (according to US Department of Energy’s ZEB definition) and participate in RI Energy’s Residential New Construction Program.