Governor McKee speaks with Cumberland homeowner Peter Viner-Brown about his at-home electric vehicle charger.

Governor McKee delivers remarks at Thursday's launch of PowerUpRI. (Pictured L-R: Cumberland Mayor Jeffrey Mutter; Executive Director of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank William Fazioli; and Rhode Island Acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns)

CUMBERLAND, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB), today announced the launch of PowerUpRI. 

Opening on August 1, 2024, PowerUpRI incentivizes Rhode Island residents and landlords to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within residential properties across the Ocean State. Through tailored rebates, the program strives to increase the adoption of clean transportation, reduce transportation emissions, and make EV charging more convenient and accessible for Rhode Islanders.  

“I am very proud to announce the launch of PowerUpRI,” said Governor Dan McKee." These rebates will make driving an EV more affordable, especially for those facing financial barriers to installing an EV charger at home. It will also increase the expansion of EVs by providing drivers with more accesible options."

“The PowerUpRI program will increase residential EV charging opportunities across the State,” said Rhode Island Acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns. “This program will help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, reduce long-term emissions, and advance our Act on Climate objectives.” 

“We look forward to working with our partners at the Office of Energy Resources to implement the new PowerUpRI EV charger incentive program and to helping Rhode Island meet important Act On Climate’s clean energy goals,” said William Fazioli, Executive Director of Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. 

The expansion of residential EV charging infrastructure across Rhode Island is a critical component in combating climate change and meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions. The Act on Climate requires a 45-percent reduction in the state’s GHG emissions by 2030, leading to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. For Rhode Island to accomplish its climate goals, furthering the development of EV charging in residential settings is critical.  

Through a partnership with RIIB, $750,000 in funding is available for PowerUpRI. Funding will comply with the Justice40 Initiative, meaning 40 percent, or $300,000, will be reserved for low-to-moderate-income residents. 

PowerUpRI provides financial incentives for eligible EV chargers and any necessary electrical upgrades. The program covers up to $700 or 50 percent of the purchase and installation costs of a Level 2 residential EV charger, whichever is less if electrical upgrades are required. For those without electrical upgrades, the coverage is up to $350 or 50 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. 

Additionally, PowerUpRI offers extra incentives for income-qualified applicants. These applicants can save up to $500 or 75 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less, if no electrical upgrade is needed. If an electrical upgrade is required, they can save up to $1,000 or 75 percent of the purchase and installation costs, whichever is less. 

Rebates for the PowerUpRI program will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent on funding availability, and limited to one per household for residents and one per property for landlords. Eligible applicants must live in a single-family or multifamily dwelling, own or lease a Battery Electric Vehicle or Plug-In Hybrid EV registered in Rhode Island, and own a newly purchased Energy Star-certified Level 2/240V residential EV charger installed by a certified, licensed electrician. 

Applications for the rebate program will be available online at https://drive.ri.gov/powerupri. Applicants must apply and submit all required supporting documents as specified on the PowerUpRI application and Program Guidance Document.  

To learn more about PowerUpRI and its requirements, please visit https://drive.ri.gov/powerupri.