Good Neighbor Energy Fund Sponsors: Heating Help is Available

PROVIDENCE,RI —The energy sponsors of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, are encouraging households in need of energy assistance this winter to visit their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to learn if they qualify for assistance.

Those in need who are unsure of the CAP agency in their area, can call the United Way 2-1- 1 information line to learn the location of the nearest office.

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 two is eligible for the Fund if its annual income does not exceed $48,720 while a household of four cannot exceed $73,800.

“There is a heightened urgency of need for assistance with home heating expenses due to the cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing and the resulting increase in home energy consumption,” said Kevin Hennessy, State Policy Director – New England for Dominion Energy and Chairperson of the 2017-18 Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign. “We encourage families or individuals who are struggling 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.”

In addition to the various giving programs of Fund sponsors – Dominion Energy, National Grid, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, RISEC LP and Petro Home Services – 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.