Rhode Island Energy has been awarded gold-level certification from the Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) program for its efforts to promote electric vehicles (EVs) among its employees. The EVAL program, offered by the nonprofit organization Forth, recognizes employers for their commitment to sustainable transportation.

Eight Rhode Island Energy businesses in Middletown, Cumberland, Chopmist, Dexter, Lincoln, Westerly, Melrose and North Kingstown offer EV charging stations to employees. The company currently operates 27 electric vehicles and trucks, with 54 more on order or in preparation.

“Achieving gold-level certification through the EVAL program demonstrates Rhode Island Energy’s commitment to advancing clean transportation options for our employees, many of whom already benefit from these chargers,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy. “Our goal as an organization is to continue to support our employees and the community in choosing cleaner transportation solutions and contributing to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.”

Nationally recognized and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, the EVAL program uses a four-tiered certification system (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) to evaluate employers based on their efforts to support employee access to electric vehicles, including evaluation of electric vehicle pricing. meeting needs, planning and evaluating EV charging station locations, and demonstrating sustainability leadership in the workplace.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with reporting on this story.