During the South Kingstown Town Council meeting on October 28, 2024, a significant highlight was the town's commitment to renewable energy through its aggregation program. The program has successfully purchased over 4 million watt-hours of renewable energy from local sources, resulting in a substantial reduction of more than 3.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. This achievement is comparable to removing 350 cars from the road, showcasing the program's positive environmental impact.

In addition to its ecological benefits, the aggregation program has also provided financial relief to residents. Over a 15-month period, the town has saved approximately $572,000, translating to about $57 in savings per customer. The rates for this winter are slightly lower than last year’s, with an average decrease of 1.3%. Notably, the 100% renewable energy option saw the most significant drop, with a reduction of 4 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The meeting also revealed that North Kingstown is following South Kingstown's lead by submitting an application to join the renewable energy aggregation program. This move indicates a growing regional commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored South Kingstown's proactive approach to renewable energy, benefiting both the environment and the community's finances. As neighboring towns consider similar initiatives, South Kingstown's program may serve as a model for broader regional efforts in sustainability.