RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund available in summer, too

As households continue to switch their focus from keeping warm to staying cool with today’s official arrival of summer, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s sponsoring energy companies – Block Island Utility District, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services, Rhode Island Energy and RISEC LP – want to remind families and individuals struggling financially that the Fund remains open to provide assistance with the payment of home energy expenses.

The Fund, which is administered by United Way of Rhode Island, 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 season.

“We understand that air conditioners and fans are being turned on to beat the heat. Please know the Fund is available throughout the dog days of summer for eligible households who are struggling financially due to increased costs for essentials,” 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, 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.

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.