About the Series
Energy is entwined in all aspects of our lives, whether at home or work, in the car or on foot, and in the wind, sun, water and plants around us. Since 2015, the Plugged Into Energy Research (PIER) lecture series has highlighted cutting-edge research, policy and innovation around a variety of energy-related topics that affect our daily lives. The goal of the PIER lectures is to increase literacy around energy topics of concern in Rhode Island. All are welcome. See below for descriptions of the 2025 lectures planned on November 12, 19 and December 3. Para Espanol, haga clic aqui.

Sign up to be notified of future PIER lectures. Regístrate para recibir notificaciones sobre futuras conferencias de PIER.

Fall 2025 PIER Lecture Series

See the information below for information about each lecture in the 2025 series.

RSVP

Powering Comfort and Cost Savings: Rhode Island Voices on Home Weatherization, Part I

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Providence Public Library, 150 Empire Street, Providence, RI 02903

Looking for ways to make your home more comfortable while saving money on energy bills? 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 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. Join us to learn more about how you can save money and improve your health and comfort with energy efficiency! 

*This session will be in Spanish with English translation available.

All lectures are free and open to all. Registration required – please RSVP here.

Powering Comfort and Cost Savings: Rhode Island Voices on Home Weatherization, Part II

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

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 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 RI Energy’s Customer Advocate. Come find out how simple energy upgrades can make a big difference for your home, your wallet, and the planet!

*This session will be in English with Spanish translation available.

All lectures are free and open to all. Registration required – please RSVP here.

Power for All: Tackling Energy Inequity Through Community Collaboration

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 |
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

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.

*This session will be in English with Spanish translation available.

All lectures are free and open to all. Registration required – please RSVP here.

Past Event Recordings including the Fall 2024 Lectures

View past lecture recordings on our Energy Literacy YouTube Playlist

View now

Lectures are made possible with support from the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency Council, and will be held at the URI Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center (45 Upper College Road, Kingston RI). A livestream will be available for those who wish to tune in virtually.

QUESTIONS? Please contact:

Kevin Drumm

Program Coordinator

Cooperative Extension

kevin_drumm@uri.edu

Kate Venturini Hardesty

Program Administrator, Extension Educator

Cooperative Extension

Kathleen M. Mallon Outreach Center, 3 East Alumni Avenue, Kingston RI 02881

401.874.4096
keventurini@uri.edu