Lead by Example: Narragansett Bay Commission on track to reach "net-zero" electrical use by 2018
The Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) is a renewable energy leader among Rhode Island State quasi-public agencies. NBC currently obtains 45 percent of its energy needs from six 1.5 MW industrial class wind turbines and has established a goal of obtaining all electricity from local renewable energy resources by December 2018 to achieve "net-zero" status. Wastewater treatment facilities are one of the largest consumers of electricity. The treatment process requires a consistent and reliable source of electricity to run its wastewater collection and treatment operations. NBC is using more than 36,000,000 kWh of electricity annually at a cost of about $4 million per year. Therefore, NBC is leading by example and making a full transition toward renewable energy sources to achieve its “net-zero” status well in advance of the 2025 goal set forth in Governor Raimondo’s Lead by Example Executive order. The State's Lead by Example initiative promotes the adoption of cle