Energy Lecture Series
2025 ENERGY LECTURE SERIES
Looking for ways to make your home more comfortable while saving money on energy bills? Join us for the Fall 2025 URI Plugged Into Energy Research lecture series: Energy Efficiency for All.
The EEC sponsors the Plugged Into Energy Research (PIER) Lecture Series spearheaded by University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension. Since 2015, the PIER Lecture Series has highlighted cutting-edge research and outreach projects and engages industry experts to explore how a variety of energy-related topics may affect our daily lives in the future. The goal of the PIER lecture series is to increase literacy around energy topics of concern in Rhode Island. Join us to learn more about how you can save money and improve your health and comfort with energy efficiency! All lectures are free and open to all.
Additional details below.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - Lecture #1
Powering Comfort and Cost Savings: Rhode Island Voices on Home Weatherization, Part 1
Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street, Providence, RI 02903
This workshop will highlight the personal experiences of renters and landlords who have taken part in the home weatherization process through RI’s energy efficiency programs. Attendees will learn about the importance of weatherization (e.g. insulation) for human health and comfort, money savings and climate change mitigation. Landlords will learn about incentives to participate, and renters will get tips on how to talk to their landlords about getting started. We’ll share details about RI Energy’s Landlord Information Sessions, and you’ll have the opportunity to schedule an in-home energy assessment with help from RI Energy’s Customer Advocates.
Registration required - please RSVP here. Light refreshments will be provided.
*This session will take place in Spanish with English translation available.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - Lecture #2
Powering Comfort and Cost Savings: Rhode Island Voices on Home Weatherization, Part 2
URI Higgins Welcome Center, 45 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI 02881
Looking for ways to increase comfort in your home all year, and save on energy bills? Join us to hear real stories from Rhode Island homeowners and community health workers who have taken part in local home weatherization programs. Attendees will learn about the importance of weatherization (e.g. insulation) for health, comfort, and budget—while also helping the environment. Plus, homeowners will have the chance to sign up for a free in-home energy assessment with support from The RISE Group. Come find out how simple energy upgrades can make a big difference for your home, your wallet, and the planet!
Registration required - please RSVP here. Light refreshments will be provided.
*This session will take place in English with Spanish translation available.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - Lecture #3
Tackling Energy Inequity Through Community Collaboration
URI Higgins Welcome Center, 45 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI 02881
Persistent nonparticipation in residential energy efficiency programs remains a challenge—particularly among ratepayers with the highest energy burdens, even in Rhode Island where progressive policies and monetary investments are longstanding. This lecture will highlight current structural and relational efforts in response to nonparticipation, and explore ways to elevate community voices to inform impactful, realistic policymaking and achieve transformational change. Speakers will discuss findings and takeaways from initiatives such as the RI Equity Working Group, RI Energy’s Landlord Information Sessions, and the Efficient Housing for All Community of Practice.
Registration required - please RSVP here. Light refreshments will be provided.
*This session will take place in English with Spanish translation available.
Past Lecture Series Recordings
2024 PLUGGED INTO ENERGY RESEARCH LECTURE SERIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
Lecture #1: Comfortable, Healthy and Cost Effective: The Power of Home Energy Upgrades
Lecture #2: Developing a Climate Strategy for RI: The Role of Energy Efficiency
2023 PLUGGED INTO ENERGY RESEARCH LECTURE SERIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
Lecture #1: Analyzing Participation in RI's Incentive Programs
Lecture #2: Is the Price Right? Embracing Energy Efficiency in the Real Estate Market
Lecture #3: Navigating the Path to Electrification
2022 PLUGGED INTO ENERGY RESEARCH LECTURE SERIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
Lecture #1: It’s Electric! Rhode Island’s New Transportation System
Lecture #2: Stopping The Biggest Oil Spill You’ve Never Heard Of
2021-2022 EERMC ENERGY LECTURE SERIES
Lecture #1: Show Me the Money: How to Save on Your Utility Bills through Energy Efficiency
Lecture #2: Innovative Energy Solutions: A Rhode Island Business Roundtable
Lecture #3: Ready to Apply: Preparing Rhode Island’s Workforce for Clean Energy Jobs
2021 PLUGGED INTO ENERGY RESEARCH LECTURE SERIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
Lecture #1: It Takes a Village Advancing Solar Energy in RI
Lecture #2: Renewable Energy and Our Electric Grid - Innovation at URI
2020 PLUGGED INTO ENERGY RESEARCH LECTURE SERIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
Lecture #1: Energy Efficiency, Human Health, and COVID-19
Lecture #2: Energy Efficiency in Schools: Safer Buildings, Healthier Students
