Ocean State Job Lot’s 3rd rooftop solar array. On to goal of largest solar portfolio in RI

Ocean State Job Lot and Ecogy Energy Celebrate Completion of 250kW Solar Array on the Roof of Richmond, RI OSJL Store 

Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 152 stores across the Northeast, and Ecogy Energy, a Newport, Rhode Island based developer, financier and owner-operator, yesterday celebrated the completion of a 250kW solar array on the roof of OSJL’s store located at 12 Stilson Road in Richmond, Rhode Island.

OSJL’s rooftop solar array in Richmond is the company’s third installation, and part of the retailer’s ongoing plan to host the largest rooftop solar portfolio in Rhode Island, hosted atop its stores from Westerly to Woonsocket. The portfolio, made possible by the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth Program, is helping to support the state’s renewable energy transition and directly contributes to Rhode Island’s goal of meeting 100% of its electricity demand with renewable energy resources by 2030.

The celebration began with a speaking program featuring Ocean State Job Lot’s Senior Director of Property Development Wayne MacLeod, Ecogy Energy’s CEO Jack Bertuzzi, and Rhode Island Energy’s Head of Electric Regulatory Strategy Carrie A. Gill, Ph.D.

Also joining Ocean State Job Lot and Ecogy Energy executives for the celebration were Councilwoman Helen Sheehan, Councilwoman Samantha Wilcox, Councilman Michael Colasante, and Police Chief Elwood M. Johnson, Jr. from the Town of Richmond. Invited guests were offered tours of the rooftop solar array to see the installation and ask questions.

“Advancing our efforts as a responsible company that respects the environment is imperative, and something we have had an increased focus on in recent years,” said Wayne MacLeod, Senior Director of Property Development, Ocean State Job Lot. “Our ongoing partnership with Ecogy Energy is helping us achieve one of our goals to improve the environment in the communities we serve, like right here in Richmond. We look forward to future installations throughout the northeast.”  

“In today’s political, economic, and ecological climate, the benefits of solar energy are more crucial than ever,” stated Jack Bertuzzi, CEO of Ecogy Energy. “Not only will this new system reduce pollution and create wealth, but it is one small step toward America’s energy independence.”

This solar portfolio is just one representation of OSJL’s continued dedication to expanding sustainability initiatives company-wide and to giving back to their community. For instance, in 2018, to lower their carbon footprint, OSJL invested $14 million to modernize its distribution center and store locations with high-efficiency lighting.

As a direct result of this complete LED rollout, OSJL reduced their overall energy consumption by 17.4 million kWh in just one year. According to the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, that is equivalent to carbon dioxide emissions from 1.3 million gallons of gasoline consumed or the carbon sequestered by 15,108 acres of U.S. forests in one year.

Ribbon-Cutting Photo Caption – left, below:
Representatives from Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), Ecogy Energy, and local elected officials celebrate the completion of a 250kW solar array on the roof of OSJL’s store located at 12 Stilson Road in Richmond, Rhode Island.

From left to right – center photo, above
Sarah Barraco, Sustainability Manager, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL); Harry Oakley, Director of Energy, Sustainability, Procurement & Corporate Facilities, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL); Jack Bertuzzi, CEO, Ecogy Energy; Carrie A. Gill, Ph.D., Head of Electric Regulatory Strategy, Rhode Island Energy; Helen Sheehan, Councilwoman, Town of Richmond; Michael Colasante, Councilman, Town of Richmond;  Wayne MacLeod, Senior Director of Property Development, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL); Samantha Wilcox, Councilwoman, Town of Richmond; and Elwood M. Johnson, Jr., Police Chief, Town of Richmond Police Department.

About Ocean State Job Lot:

Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 152 stores in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, approximately 5,600 employees, and annual sales exceeding $800 million. OSJL Shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand name, first quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool, and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price. The company was named a four-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a two-time US Best Managed Company by Deloitte, and received a first-place Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award. *Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes®.

The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative, and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need.

Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in the Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.  Phone: (401) 295-2672; Website:OceanStateJobLot.com.

About Ecogy Energy:

Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York with an office in Newport, Ecogy Energy is a developer, financier, and owner-operator of distributed generation resources. Since its founding in 2010, Ecogy Energy has specialized in financing distributed generation assets for traditionally underserved entities including affordable housing, nonprofits, and municipalities. Ecogy Energy’s current portfolio comprises solar, wind, and battery storage systems across nine states, D.C., and the Caribbean. For more information, please visit https://ecogyenergy.com/