KINGSTON, R.I. – March 12, 2010 – The University of Rhode Island’s Energy Center is again offering its popular training program aimed at teaching Rhode Islanders how to save money and protect the environment through energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy and alternative fuels.
The five-week Master Energy Program, which begins Wednesday, Mar. 31 at 5:30 p.m., will be held in the Kirk Center for Advanced Technology URI’s Kingston campus. Succeeding sessions will be held April 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“This is a great opportunity for Rhode Island residents and business owners who are concerned about rising energy costs and want to learn concrete steps they can take to reduce their energy consumption,” said Corrie Haley, who is coordinating the program. “After completing the program, participants will be prepared to conserve energy and save money, but they’ll also be prepared to engage their communities in discussing energy issues and spreading their newfound knowledge.”
Modeled after the URI Master Gardener program and the URI Master Composter & Recycler program, the Master Energy Program will be taught by Robert S. Cerio, who has 25 years of experience as an energy resource manager. Additional speakers will include representatives of National Grid, Alteris Renewables, and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.
Included in the weekly sessions will be lessons on assessing energy savings opportunities, calculating the value of efficiency projects, and small-scale renewable energy installations. Participants will also learn about energy use in the community, from “green” building practices and alternative fuels for transportation to the latest information on energy legislation and policy.
The Master Energy Program was launched in 2008 and was met with great enthusiasm from registrants. The latest version is targeted at homeowners and business owners.
A course fee of $75 will be charged to each registrant to cover classroom materials. To download a registration form for the course, visit www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc/ec/energytraining.html. For more information call 401-874-5558 or email corhaley@gmail.com.