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. Please join us for our annual lectures held each fall at URI. Sign up to be notified of future PIER lectures.
Announcing the Fall 2024 Lecture Series!
Join us on Oct. 29 and Nov. 19 for two free lectures. Light refreshments will be served; livestream available. Open to all.
Developing a Climate Strategy for Rhode Island: The Role of Energy Efficiency
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
How can Rhode Island address the root causes of climate change while adapting to violent storms, hotter summers, and rising seas? This fireside chat will feature a panel of Rhode Island experts working to reduce carbon emissions through energy-efficiency measures and improve infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change. Don’t miss this conversation and a chance to ask questions of the panelists! RSVP today!
Both 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.
Comfortable, Healthy and Cost Effective: The Power of Home Energy Upgrades
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center, URI Kingston Campus. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of weatherization, from auditing and building science to improving indoor air quality and reducing your home energy costs. With a special focus on income-eligible programs, a panel of experts from CLEAResult, the Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) and RI Energy will break down what to expect during the weatherization process, from in-home visits to cost and everything in between! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about low- to no-cost home energy efficiency programs available to all Rhode Islanders! Join us for a conversation moderated by Priscilla de la Cruz, Director of Sustainability for the City of Providence, RI. All are welcome. Refreshments provided. View the recorded lecture!!
Jon Erickson
Senior Project Manager | CLEAResult
Are you curious about what aspects of your home can be adapted and improved for comfort and cost savings? Jon Erickson is a Certified Passive House Consultant, Certified Passive House Builder and Verifier, Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater, and is Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Residential Design certified. Jon delivers training on many topics related to energy efficiency, building science and zero energy construction to help builders comply with the RI Energy Codes Program, and also teaches the Certified Passive House Builder course for PHIUS.
Brian Ceballos
Energy Auditor | Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)
Have you heard about weatherization but feel unsure about what it entails? Brian Ceballos is not only an auditor with CCAP in Cranston, he also personally went through the income eligible weatherization program prior to becoming a weatherization auditor. Brian will share his direct experience with the energy assessment and weatherization process as both a client and a member of the team who brings clients through the process himself at CCAP. Brian’s perspective will serve to dispel myths and misconceptions about what the weatherization experience is (and isn’t) for homeowners and renters.
Carinel LeGrand
Income Eligible Energy Efficiency Program Manager | RI Energy
RI Energy (formerly National Grid) offers energy savings programs that help families benefit from a healthier, more comfortable and affordable home. Carinel LeGrand currently serves as the Residential Income Eligible Energy Efficiency Program Manager at Rhode Island Energy, where she manages the weatherization program and works to expand access to affordable and sustainable heating and cooling options for underserved communities in RI. Carinel will share information about how income-eligible customers can take advantage of no to low-cost energy incentives through RI Energy.
Past Event Recordings
View past lecture recordings on our Energy Literacy YouTube Playlist
View nowQUESTIONS? Please contact:
Program Administrator, Extension Educator
Cooperative Extension
Kathleen M. Mallon Outreach Center, 3 East Alumni Avenue, Kingston RI 02881
401.874.4096
keventurini@uri.edu