Home energy funds for eligible households challenged by inflation and pandemic

Although the bitter temperatures of winter have subsided, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund continues to be available to all eligible households in the state impacted by inflation, the pandemic or another crisis.  The Fund’s sponsoring energy companies and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, want to remind local households struggling financially that the Fund assists with payment of home energy expenses, not only during the winter months but throughout the spring and into the early summer.

The Fund is a safety net for households in crisis who are having trouble paying their energy bills.  Households in need of energy assistance are encouraged to call their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine if they qualify for the Fund.  Community Action Program agencies help to determine eligibility for the Fund based on total household income not exceeding 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 with grant amounts up to $650 per heating season.

“Even through spring has arrived, the Fund will continue to be a source of relief to those eligible households who are paying more for essentials like gas and food, experiencing a loss of income due to the pandemic, or facing another crisis,” said Mike Kirkwood, Chairperson of the 2022 Good Neighbor Energy Fund, and General Manager & CEO of Pascoag Utility District.  “We urge all Rhode Island households to dial 2-1-1, United Way’s 24-hour help center, if they are looking for general information about the Fund or need help identifying their local Community Action Program 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 campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local corporations for support.  Rhode Islanders most often donate to the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills through March.

Those interested in donating to the Fund to assist those impacted by the coronavirus 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 02909-2459.

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.