Need heat? RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund ready to help

The energy sponsors of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, are encouraging those households in need of energy assistance this winter to visit their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine if they qualify for the Fund.  For those in need who are unsure of the CAP agency in their area, please call the United Way 2-1-1 information line.

The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for households in crisis who are having trouble paying their energy bills.  The State’s local CAP agencies determine household 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 for the Fund if its annual income does not exceed $77,250 while a household of six cannot exceed $103,770.  Grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and need and will not exceed $650 per heating season. “Help is available for families and individuals who are struggling to pay their heating bills.  We encourage anyone to dial 2-1-1, United Way’s 24-hour call center, if they are looking for general information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or need help identifying their local CAP agency to determine eligibility,” said Terry Sobolewski, Chairperson of the 2019-20 Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and President of National Grid Rhode Island.”

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 corporations for support.  Rhode Islanders most often donate to the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills through the end of February.  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 02909-2459.

About United Way of Rhode Island

Because everyone needs help sometimes, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) helps people. United Way invests in programs with clear results, including those that help children fall in love with learning, that help families meet their basic needs, and that offer training and education for jobs and careers. United Way also provides everyone with one number to call for help, 2-1-1. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDri.org.

About Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Since its establishment in 1986, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised over $14.6 million and helped over 46,000 families in need of temporary energy assistance.  For more information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or to receive assistance, contact the United Way 2-1-1in Rhode Island help line or a local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. Web: www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.