People's Power and Light, a new non-profit energy services company, recently received its first grant, from Rhode Island Foundation, enabling it to hire an executive director and work toward the ultimate goal of bringing affordable and environmentally conscious energy to Rhode Island.

Erich Stephens, the new director, sees green electricity, powered by wind, water, sun and other natural resources, as a key to being economically and environmentally conscious. Although green electricity can initially cost as much as 10 percent more than gas or electric heat, organizers believe savings can be found in the future through a critical mass of consumers.

"We are lowering the overall cost to the consumer without necessarily lowering the price," says Karina Lutz, chairwoman of People's Power and Light. "We provide the amenity of the same or better services for less energy."

To deal with the start-up costs for this non-profit company, the organization is seeking additional grants. It receives money from renewable energy and demand-side management funds that earmark a small percentage of revenue for use in renewable energy projects. People's Power and Light also intends to concentrate some effort on helping low-income people to reduce their utility bills. "We want to develop a long-term solution for the poor by teaching them how to use less fuel and save costs," Stephens says.

The budding utility remains in the planning stage, with part of the focus on lining up products. People's Power and Light is still searching for a supplier of green electricity in Rhode Island. Possibilities include the hydroelectric facility in Pawtucket. Looking to the future, "we hope to displace the dirty fossil fuel plants, like the one at Brayton Point," says Stephens.

Issue Date: February 15 - 21, 2002