Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2260

Introduced

1/23/26

Refer

1/23/26

Caption

Establishes a program for the energy and water benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance.

Impact

The legislation requires property owners to submit annual energy usage data using an approved benchmarking tool, such as the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. This information will not only be collected for compliance but will also be made public to improve market transparency. Participation may also be tied to eligibility for state grants aimed at energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts, creating a tiered incentive system designed to encourage compliance and progressive energy management practices among building owners.

Summary

S2260, known as the Building Benchmarking and Reporting Act of 2026, establishes a program in Rhode Island aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in large buildings by mandating energy performance benchmarking for both residential and non-residential properties larger than 25,000 gross square feet. The act empowers the Office of Energy Resources (OER) to oversee and publish transparency metrics regarding building energy performance, which is expected to help various stakeholders, including property owners and potential tenants, better understand energy consumption patterns in the state.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding S2260 involves the potential challenges it poses to property owners who may face increased operational requirements. Concerns include the financial burden of meeting the new reporting standards and the logistical challenges of gathering and submitting detailed energy consumption data. Additionally, while the act includes provisions for exemptions under specific conditions, debates may arise regarding the fairness and accessibility of these exemptions, particularly for smaller properties that may not have the resources to comply easily.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5493

Establishes a program for the energy and water benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance.

RI S0091

Establishes the environmental justice advisory board (EJAB) to implement standards for buildings that emit greenhouse gases.

RI S1161

SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF ENERGY RESOURCES TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF BENCHMARKING PROGRAMS FOR MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS GREATER THAN 25,000 SQUARE FEET

RI S0471

Establishes prevailing standards and procedures for licensing speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Rhode Island.

RI H5557

Establishes prevailing standards and procedures for licensing speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Rhode Island.

RI S0326

Establishes the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act cost recovery program.

RI H5424

Establishes the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act cost recovery program.

RI S0089

Incorporates ethical energy standards to the 2021 Act on Climate.

RI H5859

Permits the use of private well water in food service establishment's restrooms if the water complies with the standards established pursuant to § 23-1-5.3(8).

RI H5436

Establishes the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025.