Rhode Island Clean Energy Week 2025 | Thank You Letter and Event Summary
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Dear Friends, Champions, and Visionaries of Rhode Island's Clean Energy Future,
The inaugural Rhode Island Clean Energy Week (April 21–25, 2025) was a tremendous success, and we at the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition are filled with gratitude for all who participated. What we all accomplished together during those five remarkable days was nothing short of extraordinary. From the opening breakfast at the CIC Building to the policy roundtables and the culminating awards gala at the Roger Williams Casino, we collectively witnessed the birth of something powerful – a movement that will echo through the Ocean State for generations to come.
To our esteemed policymakers who lent their vision and authority to our proceedings –
Governor Dan McKee, whose steadfast leadership continues to guide the state toward a sustainable future; Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, whose unwavering voice on climate has resonated through the halls of Congress; and Mayor Brett Smiley, whose commitment to making Providence a beacon of urban sustainability – we extend our deepest appreciation. Your presence elevated our discussions and demonstrated the critical importance of public leadership in addressing the climate crisis.
To Greg Cornett and the team at Rhode Island Energy – your participation signals a pivotal shift in how we envision our energy landscape. The partnership between traditional energy providers and renewable advocates represents the collaborative approach that will be essential to our success.
I must extend special recognition to Patrick Crowley, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. Patrick, you opened doors for the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition that we had been struggling to access. Your commitment to ensuring that working people have a seat at the table in our clean energy transition exemplifies the inclusive approach that will make our efforts both just and durable.
To Christopher Kearns and his incredible team at the RI Office of Energy Resources – your leadership has been the backbone of Rhode Island's progress in renewable energy. The expertise and dedication you bring to your work inspire us all.
We must also acknowledge the poignant moment during our Awards Gala when K. Joseph Shekarchi, House Speaker, delivered touching remarks on the sudden passing of Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio before presenting Taco with the Small Business Innovator of the Year award. Senate President Ruggerio, who passed away on April 21st, the very day of our Opening Breakfast, was a towering figure in Rhode Island politics and a tireless advocate for working families throughout his 44 years of public service. His dedication to Rhode Island's clean energy transition was evident in his sponsorship of legislation requiring 100% of the state's electricity to be offset by renewable production by 2033. Though he could not be with us during Clean Energy Week, his legacy and commitment to a sustainable Rhode Island infused our gatherings with added purpose and resolve. The moment of reflection led by Speaker Shekarchi reminded us all of the human dimension behind policy work and the importance of carrying forward the vision of those who have championed progress.
We celebrate RIPTA's commitment to sustainable transportation, Ocean Winds and the transformative 2.4 GW SouthCoast Wind project, and innovators like Regent Craft, Flux Marine, Revity Energy, and Thryve—all creating pathways to a more sustainable future. These organizations exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that will drive Rhode Island's clean energy economy forward. These companies are not just creating technologies; they are creating pathways to a more sustainable, equitable future.
We must extend our heartfelt appreciation to Sustainable Sounds, whose expertise in sustainable event planning was instrumental to our success. Sustainable Sounds helps organizations host unforgettable weddings, retreats, and events designed for net-zero impact. From clean energy generators and composting to upcycled décor and partnerships with local, low-impact vendors, they make sustainability seamless at every step. Their commitment exemplifies the practical application of the values we championed throughout the week. They didn't just support our event, they embodied our mission through their actions.
A special note of appreciation goes to Greer Yoder from the CIC Building, who not only hosted several of our events but did so with such grace, ease, and calm. Greer, you are truly a force, and the City of Providence is fortunate to have you. Your attention to detail and unflappable demeanor made the complex logistics of our events appear effortless. We would be remiss not to recognize Heather Manning and her sidekick Riley, who handled the logistics of our closing gala at Roger Williams Casino with extraordinary professionalism. You went above and beyond at every turn, always making us feel at ease with each detail, no matter how small. And to Pranzi Catering – the dinner stations you created were nothing short of magnificent. The culinary experience you provided was perhaps the finest we've ever enjoyed at an event of this scale. Your team of chefs, staff, and bartenders performed their duties with exceptional skill and courtesy. We are thrilled that you will be joining us for our Connecticut and Massachusetts Clean Energy Weeks as our premier catering company.
Our most profound gratitude goes to our biggest partnership of all: Tom Dodge, CEO and Founder of NewView.Media, who produced all three of our Clean Energy Weeks and did an extraordinary job showcasing Rhode Island's clean energy initiatives and emissions goals. Tom worked directly with Rhode Island policymakers, panelists, moderators, and venue coordinators to produce exceptional content that they can now share on their websites and social media platforms. This incredible producer is not just phenomenal at his job, he genuinely cares about these causes and understands the work required to make us all more sustainable. The quality of the media production elevated every aspect of the week's events and will continue to amplify our message long after the events have concluded. To the more than 1,800 participants who engaged in our events, you are the lifeblood of this movement. Your presence, your questions, your enthusiasm, and your commitment signal that Rhode Island is ready to lead in the clean energy revolution.
As we reflect on Rhode Island Clean Energy Week, we recognize that the clean energy and climate sectors continue to face obstacle after obstacle, yet remain strong and united. Why? Because our cause transcends politics, transcends the ebb and flow of funding cycles, transcends the issuance or denial of permits. What we all built together during that week is larger than any change of power or shift in policy. It is about the very future of this incredible state, our region, our nation, and our planet.
Rhode Islanders have always been fighters. From the burning of the Gaspee to the textile mill strikes, the people of this small but mighty state have never shied away from standing up for what is right. The attendees of Rhode Island Clean Energy Week were more than just advocates for clean and renewable energy. They were more than activists who believe climate action is vital. They are the inheritors of a proud tradition of independence and resilience that runs as deep as Narragansett Bay.
The inaugural Rhode Island Clean Energy Week was not an ending but a beginning. The connections formed, the ideas shared, the commitments made during those days will ripple outward, creating waves of change that will transform the state's energy landscape for the better.
The team at Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition stands with you, shoulder to shoulder, as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. We are deeply committed to supporting clean energy initiatives throughout New England. We look forward with great anticipation to hosting the Second Annual Rhode Island Clean Energy Week, April 20–24, 2026. Mark your calendars now, for we have only just begun to harness the power of our collective vision.
A special thank you must go to all of our sponsors and partners whose generous support made Rhode Island Clean Energy Week possible. Your financial contributions, in-kind donations, venue provisions, and promotional assistance transformed our vision into reality. The logos displayed below represent organizations that are not just supporting an event, but investing in Rhode Island's clean energy future. Your commitment to this cause demonstrates true leadership and vision. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the years ahead.
We invite you to view the exceptional videos produced by Tom Dodge and NewView.Media on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@NortheastREC and on our website at https://northeastrec.org.
These platforms provide easy access to all the video content from Rhode Island Clean Energy Week, allowing you to experience the highlights and key moments of these important events. As Tom continues to edit more videos, they will continue to be posted on our platforms, so please check back regularly.
If there is anything else that the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition could do to help the many companies and non-profits in Rhode Island advance their clean energy goals, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our mission is to support your success and foster collaboration across the clean energy ecosystem.
Looking ahead, we're excited to announce our upcoming events:
Connecticut Clean Energy Week (June 23–27, 2025)
Massachusetts Clean Energy Week (September 29 – October 3, 2025).
With profound gratitude and unwavering commitment,
Kristin Rode
Executive Director
Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition (NREC)
