Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund Opens for Home Heating Assistance to Eligible Households

With temperatures dropping and the official start of winter just around the corner, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) has opened for the 2025-2026 season. The Fund is available to help local households struggling with their home heating bills, but who are not eligible for federal or state assistance. The GNEF is sponsored by the Block Island Utility District, Clear River Electric & Water District, Ocean State Power, Petro Home Services, Rhode Island Energy and RI State Energy Center LP, and administered by United Way of RI. It has provided help to more than 48,750 Rhode Island households since its inception.

Any Rhode Island household in need of energy assistance due to financial struggles are encouraged to call United Way’s 211 helpline or contact their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine eligibility for the Fund. Rhode Islanders may also call 211 for assistance finding their nearest CAP agency and with general questions about the Fund.

“Far too many Rhode Islanders are strained under the high cost of everyday essentials and the colder months ahead will only make those pressures more severe,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “It doesn’t take much for a family that’s stable to suddenly find themselves in need and in crisis, and that’s why the Good Neighbor Energy Fund exists. If you or someone you know is worried about staying warm this winter, please know that 211 is here for every Rhode Islander—no one should ever hesitate to call.”

Eligibility for the GNEF is 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 $96,450, while a household of six cannot exceed $129,450.  Assistance grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and level of need, and can provide up to $825 per heating season.

In addition to its sponsoring energy companies, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund relies on the generosity of individuals, families, local businesses and community organizations for support.  Through the Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign, Rhode Islanders can give to the Fund using the yellow donation envelope enclosed with their monthly energy bill or by scanning the QR code on the envelope.  Donations can also be made by texting “WARM” to 91999 from a mobile phone, by sending a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909, or by visiting RhodeIslandGoodNeighbor.org.

About Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Since its establishment in 1986, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised more than $17.3 million and helped over 48,750 local households in need of energy assistance.  For more information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or to receive assistance, contact either United Way of Rhode Island’s 211 helpline or a local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. RhodeIslandGoodNeighbor.org.

United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As 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. For more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

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