Energy Assistance information all in one place on new Rhode Island website

A new website launched this week in Rhode Island, providing all resource information in one place for Rhode Islanders wanting assistance with energy resources such as heating assistance, weatherization, etc. They can find the resources to determine eligibility and application methods without going to multiple sites and agencies. For the most part, the CAP agencies will also provide coordination information for those not able to use the online format.

Governor Dan McKee made the announcement joined by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) and Department of Human Services (DHS). The publicly available state, federal and nonprofit energy assistance program and funding for the upcoming winter season, offers free home energy assessments for homeowners and renters to reduce their energy usage. An additional $1.5 million in funding to provide relief on electric utility bills for most vulnerable Rhode Islanders brings the total relief committed to $5.3 million.

The new website, EnergySupport.ri.gov, includes a simple, clear list of state, federal and nonprofit energy assistance resources for Rhode Islanders. Specifically, it highlights financial awards to help pay for heating and electric bills including:

*Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

*Good Neighbor Energy Fund

*Keep the Heat On

*Free Home Energy Assessment Program

*Weatherization Assistance Program

*Heating System Repair and Replacement Program.

“During this season of unprecedented electricity and heating costs, it is essential that we do everything we can to connect Rhode Islanders with available assistance programs that can help them keep the heat on this winter. Finding assistance should be simple and straightforward —that is our goal with this one-stop shop website,” said Governor Dan McKee.

“While we are often focused on getting rate relief help to our most vulnerable constituents, it is important for all constituents to be aware of the programs available to them,” said Interim State Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns. “For example, I recommend homeowners and renters sign up for a free home energy assessment in which an energy specialist will assess their current energy usage and identify potential opportunities to weatherize their home or apartment, and take advantage of money saving incentives through the state’s annual energy efficiency programs.”

“We know this time of year can be cause for concern for many Rhode Islanders as the chill of fall and cold of winter begins to take hold,” said Kimberly Merolla-Brito, Acting Director, RI DHS. “It is my hope the information provided today and through this new website will prove to be a useful tool to help ease the burden many face, especially in the months ahead.”

This year, LIHEAP has $32 million available for qualified Rhode Island residents, as well as $1.5 million for weatherization assistance.

The state will work to increase LIHEAP funding and ensure that all heating assistance fuel funds are allocated to DHS prior to the start of the winter season.

Depending upon a family’s income, a household heating with oil or other deliverable fuel could receive from $981 to $1,285 in federal funding assistance. Qualified customers heating with gas could receive from $805 to $970; those heating with electricity could receive from $983 to $1,230.

Other relief actions

• $3.8 million in RGGI funds to provide direct rate relief to approximately 39,000 of the State’s most vulnerable constituents, bringing total relief commitment to $5.3 million. This will result in an anticipated $73 reduction in their electricity bills in December and January.

• At the Governor’s request, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) directed $32 million in Attorney General settlement credits to be distributed back to ratepayers, as well as $17.5 million in Attorney General settlement funds be distributed back to ratepayers through their gas bills – this is currently pending before the PUC. These two actions mean that most low-income residents will not experience an increase in their overall electric bills when compared to last winter.

• The PUC recently deferred the customer charge on all electric bills for a six-month period, providing additional rate relief to residential and small businesses.

• Governor McKee will introduce legislation the first week of the 2023 legislative session to suspend the state’s 4 percent gross receipt tax on electricity bills through the April 2023 utility billing period, which is the last month that winter electricity rates will be reflected in constituents’ utility bills.

• The FY 2023 budget provides approximately $265 million in tax relief to offset costs for families, small businesses, veterans and seniors, including a Child Tax Rebate that delivers $250 per child to eligible families across the state.