RI Energy may cut energy efficiency programs to lower bills. Why that might backfire.

PROVIDENCE – For many years, Rhode Island was at the forefront of efforts to conserve energy in a bid to tamp down customer costs and rein in greenhouse gas emissions.

Rhode Island perennially ranked near the top of state rankings for energy efficiency programs, which offer incentives to home and business-owners to upgrade lighting, insulate buildings and replace appliances with Energy Star-rated models among other improvements.