McKee Signs Bill For RI To Reach All-Renewable Electricity By 2033

PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee on Wednesday will sign a bill that will eventually require 100 percent of Rhode Island’s electricity be offset by renewable production by 2033, a spokesperson from McKee's office said.

The bill calls for the state to achieve all-renewable sources of electricity sold in the state by 2033, codifying a similar executive order signed by then-Gov. Gina Raimondo in January 2021.

"Here in the Ocean State, we know that action to address the climate crisis cannot wait," said Sen. President Dominick Ruggerio, after the bill passed the General Assembly. "Rhode Islanders are already feeling the effects of climate change, and the risks facing our communities will grow increasingly dire in the years ahead. This legislation sets out a bold but achievable goal and builds on the historic progress we made in 2021 through the Act on Climate. It will keep Rhode Island, home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm, on the forefront of renewable energy innovation. And it will help us harness the power of clean energy as a driver of economic growth and opportunity."

Under the current schedule, Rhode Island increases the amount of renewably-sourced electricity by 1.5 percent every year through 2035. The new bill would change that schedule to a 4 percent increase in 2023 and will increase 1 percent every year, before hitting 9.5 percent in 2032 to achieve the goal.