December 6, 2005
Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release
738-2000
Participation in RI League of Cities and Towns program
‘REAPing’ financial benefits for Warwick
WARWICK – Thanks to participation in the Rhode Island League of Cities and Town’s (RICLT) Rhode Island Energy Aggregation (REAP) program, the city has realized savings of nearly $800,000 in a little over six years, Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today.
REAP is comprised of thirty-six Rhode Island cities and towns organized under the auspices of the RILCT to purchase electricity and other energy related services at an affordable price and quality service. Since its inception in July 1999, the program has saved participating municipalities over $6 million and has become the most successful municipal aggregation program in the nation, according to the RILCT.
From July 1999 to October 2005 – the latest month for which figures are available – the City of Warwick has saved a total of $782,324.01, Avedisian said.
“It’s always good when we can save taxpayers’ money by participating in innovative programs like REAP,” Avedisian said. “And with the costs of fuel, energy and other utilities continuing to increase, I think we will see even greater benefits from this program in the future.”
Avedisian, a former five-year member of the League’s executive board, was elected in January as the League’s president, replacing North Providence Mayor A. Ralph Mollis in the president’s role. Vice presidents are Stephen A. Alfred, town manager of South Kingstown; Wolfgang Bauer, town manager of West Warwick; Pawtucket Mayor James E. Doyle; and Lincoln Town Administrator Sue P. Sheppard.
The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns was founded in 1968. As a private, non-partisan membership association of local governments in Rhode Island , its mission is “to represent the interests of municipal officials and to provide them services which enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of city and town services.”