Heating Assistance available from the RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund

As winter temperatures continue to drop, the sponsoring energy companies of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, encourage households facing economic hardship to apply for home heating assistance through the Fund.  Those in need can determine their eligibility for assistance by contacting their local Community Action Program (CAP) or calling United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline.

Rhode Island’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for households in crisis who are having trouble paying their energy bills.  The state’s CAP agencies determine household eligibility for the Fund based on household size and that total household income cannot exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level.  For example, a household of four is eligible if its annual income does not exceed $79,500, while a household of six cannot exceed $106,740.  Grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and need, and can be up to $650 per heating season.

“With a host of challenges facing households in need, including colder temperatures, the pandemic, and rising energy prices, the Fund is a place to turn for assistance with home energy expenses.” said Mike Kirkwood, Chairperson of the 2021-22 Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, and General Manager & CEO of Pascoag Utility District. “We encourage families or individuals who are going through a tough time to dial United Way’s 2-1-1 help line for information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and for help identifying their local CAP agency to determine eligibility,”

In addition to the various giving programs of Fund sponsors – Block Island Utility District, National Grid, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services, and RISEC LP – the Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local businesses for support.  Rhode Islanders most often support the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills through the end of March.  Those interested in donating to the Fund can also visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org, text “WARM” to 91999 on their mobile phone or send a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909.

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About Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Since its establishment in 1986, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised more than $15.5 million and helped over 47,000 local households in need of energy assistance.  For more information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or to receive assistance, contact either the United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island help line or a local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. Web: www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.

United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.