Rhode Island Energy highlights environmental stewardship and volunteerism this Earth Day

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 22, 2026) - In honor of Earth Day, Rhode Island Energy (RIE) is highlighting several environmental stewardship and volunteer initiatives underway across the state this spring.

As part of its long-term approach to sustainability, RIE is completing a pollinator planting project in North Kingstown, launching a coastal restoration effort in Portsmouth, and continuing its work to protect ospreys during nesting season. Each project is designed to strengthen ecosystems while supporting biodiversity and community resilience.

"One of the most important ways we care for the communities we serve is by protecting the land and natural resources we all share," said Greg Cornett, President of RIE. "These initiatives reflect our responsibility to be not just an energy provider, but an environmental steward for Rhode Island."

Supporting Pollinators in North Kingstown

This spring, RIE is finishing a pollinator planting project on an Audubon Society parcel in North Kingstown. The effort builds on years of collaboration with Audubon and reflects best practices in vegetation management that promote native plant species and critical pollinator habitat.

Once complete, the site will be deemed a certified wildlife habitat and will support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential to healthy ecosystems and food systems. The project also demonstrates how utility land can be managed to coexist with and actively support wildlife habitats.

"Caring for Rhode Island's natural spaces is ultimately about caring for the people who live here," said Scott Ruhren, Senior Director of Conservation at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. "When organizations like Rhode Island Energy invest in thoughtful land stewardship, it helps strengthen our communities, protect the wildlife we value, and ensure these places remain healthy and accessible for future generations."

Restoring Coastal Habitat in Portsmouth

In Portsmouth, RIE will be working to restore a degraded coastal bluff and create a new salt marsh this spring, helping protect a vulnerable shoreline while restoring important coastal habitat.

Salt marshes play a critical role in coastal resilience, acting as natural buffers against erosion and storm surge, filtering pollutants, and providing habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife. The project underscores RIE's focus on nature-based solutions that strengthen infrastructure and ecosystems simultaneously.

Protecting Ospreys

As ospreys return to Rhode Island each spring to nest, RIE's environmental specialists work proactively to protect the birds while maintaining safe and reliable electric service. When nests are built too close to power lines, crews install dedicated nesting platforms nearby or carefully relocate nests in coordination with state and federal wildlife agencies.

By addressing potential hazards early in the nesting season, RIE helps safeguard ospreys and their chicks, reduce the risk of outages, and minimize the need for emergency work, creating a balanced approach that protects wildlife and customers alike.

Employees Leading by Example

Throughout the year, RIE employees donate their time and expertise to environmental cleanups, habitat restoration projects, urban tree plantings, and community sustainability initiatives across the state.

In 2025, RIE employees contributed more than 900 volunteer hours to environmental and community-based projects. Throughout 2026, RIE employees will work to contribute over 1000 volunteer hours to the communities in which they live and work.

"Earth Day is a reminder that sustainability is not a single day or project-it's an ongoing commitment," Cornett added. "From restoring coastlines and pollinator habitats to volunteering in our communities, our employees are proud to play an active role in caring for the environment today and for future generations."

About Rhode Island Energy

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity and natural gas. Our team of more than 1,300 employees is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive, while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions.

For more information visit www.RIEnergy.com and stay connected on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.