More funds for energy assistance from RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund

HOUSEHOLDS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO RI GOOD NEIGHBOR ENERGY FUND WITH END TO THE MORATORIUM ON SHUT-OFFS

With the end to the moratorium on home energy shut-offs, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s sponsoring energy companies and its administrator, the United Way of Rhode Island, are encouraging those in need to apply for assistance to the Fund as soon as possible by visiting their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency or by calling the United Way’s  2-1-1 help line.

The Fund is a safety net for households in temporary crisis who are having trouble paying their energy bills.  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 $90,000 while a household of six cannot exceed $120,840.  The Fund has also temporarily expanded eligibility to those who qualify for LIHEAP and are seeking that federal assistance for the first time. Grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and need with grant amounts up to $825 per heating season.

“Prices remain elevated for basic needs like food, rent and utilities which places additional strain on household budgets, making it difficult for many Rhode Islanders to afford their monthly heating expense,” said Kyle Bennett, Chief of Staff, United Way of R.I. “As the end of the moratorium on energy shutoffs has neared, there’s been a noticeable increase in requests for energy assistance. We encourage all households that have hit a rough spot to consider the Fund as a source of relief and to contact 211 to find out if they’re eligible.”

In addition to the various giving programs of Fund sponsors – Block Island Utility District, Clear River Electric & Water District, Ocean State Power, Petro Home Services, Rhode Island Energy 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 donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills into March.

Those interested in donating to the Fund to can also visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org, scan the QR code on the donation envelope, 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 $16.7 million and helped over 48,250 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.